Mac Jones, QB: The 15th-overall pick will get the first start of his career against the Dolphins on opening day after a strong summer. The Dolphins are sure to throw plenty of wrinkles at Jones, but if he can do what he did throughout training camp -- avoid mistakes and get the ball out quickly -- he should be able let the Patriots weapons get to work. Miami forced plenty of turnovers last season and being safe with the football is paramount.

Damien Harris, RB: Harris tore things up in 10 games last season, putting up 691 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Now, Harris stands alone as the lead back and should get plenty of opportunities to get back on that explosive track. If he and the offensive line can open things up, it will be a huge key to making life a lot easier for Mac Jones in his first start.

Jonnu Smith, TE: After a slow start during OTAs, Smith emerged as one of the most promising playmakers on offense this summer, where his after-catch ability stood out nearly every time he took the field. The offense didn't get much production from the tight end spot over the last two seasons but with Smith and Hunter Henry now in the mix, that figures to change. Smith's presence in the red zone will be a big key.

Dont'a Hightower, LB: Hightower opted out in 2020 and his presence was sorely missed. The versatile linebacker is the heart of the defense, a force both against the run and as a pass rusher. His return alone changes the dynamic on defense, but with Kyle Van Noy and Matt Judon in the mix as well, the Patriots' veteran linebackers should once again be causing chaos, especially against a young Miami offensive line.

J.C. Jackson, CB: With Stephon Gilmore out on the PUP list, Jackson takes the reins as the number one cornerback and figures to be lined up across from DeVante Parker throughout the contest. With some questions lingering for the secondary, it all must start with solid play from their best defensive back. Jackson was again around the ball all summer and should make Tua pay for any bad throws in his direction.

Tua Tagovailoa, QB: All eyes are on the second-year quarterback as he looks to help the Dolphins take the next step toward the playoffs. Tua has some promising weapons, but questions about his protection will carry over into the regular season. He was efficient defeating the Patriots late in 2020, but against a new-look defense, it should be tougher sledding in 2021. He'll have as big a challenge figuring out the Patriots defense as his former teammate and counterpart Mac Jones will deciphering Miami's.

Myles Gaskin, RB: The Dolphins put up 250 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns in knocking off the Pats in Week 15 last season. They should test New England's front again in this year's opener with Gaskin figuring to take the lead back carries. A well-balanced running back, Gaskin presents a number of issues for the Patriots defense to consider. Simply put, the Pats defense can't get run over like they did last December or it's going to be a long day.

DeVante Parker, WR: While the arrival of Jaylen Waddle should help take some heat off of Parker, he's still a big focus of the Miami passing game, especially with Will Fuller out due to suspension. The Pats seem likely to stick J.C. Jackson on Parker, in what should be one of the key matchups of the game. In 10 career games against the Patriots, Parker has 36 catches for 504 yards and a touchdown.

Emmanuel Ogbah, LB: Coming off a breakout season with nine sacks, Ogbah flourished in Brian Flores' defense last season. Having a plan to deal with the talented pass rusher will be a big key for Mac and the offensive line, as his ability to get lost in Flores' amoeba fronts can terrorize pass protection schemes. Ogbah is just one part of the problem though, as Jerome Baker and Andrew Van Ginkel were also productive last season.

Xavien Howard, CB: Howard led the league in interceptions last season (10) and is the kind of ballhawk who can change a game in one play. How will the Dolphins use Howard against the Patriots' bevy of new weaponry at receiver and tight end? Their ability to spread the ball around should help mitigate Howard's impact, but Jones better be sure when he chooses to target the elite corner.