Devin Asiasi, TE: The rookie tight end has been thrust into the starting lineup due to injuries and is acquiring some vital experience here at the end of the season. He still has yet to log a catch on the season, which could be a nice way to wrap up the season and give him some confidence heading into 2021's offseason.

Kyle Dugger, S: Dugger leads all rookie defenders with 47.9 percent of the snaps played this season and he's done it in a wide range of roles, from back end safety to linebacker. Dugger's physicality and smarts stand out and he'll be looking to put an exclamation point on what was an extremely promising rookie season.

Michael Onwenu, OT: Only Joe Thuney has played more offensive snaps than the rookie linemen from Michigan. Onwenu has been one of the biggest surprises this season, playing with a finisher's attitude and consistently sending defenders flying with his strong hands and unexpected athleticism. He'll be a critical piece for the Patriots offensive front for years to come.

Josh Uche, LB: Uche is coming off the second-most snaps of his career against the Bills. Since Week 10 he's found himself consistently getting into the lineup, averaging about 20 snaps. His role also expanded a bit against the Bills into more of an early-down role, a spot he could occupy against the Jets as well. He's shown impressive burst and strength as a pass rusher, but is just scratching the surface of his potential.

Chase Winovich, DE: After registering 2.5 sacks in the first four games, Winovich has just one in the last 11. He's still a disruptive player and the Patriots need him to be a consistent problem for opposing quarterbacks. This week, Winovich must disrupt Sam Darnold if the Patriots defense is to get back on track against the pass. He'll have some tough sledding against Mekhi Becton.

Sam Darnold, QB: The third-year quarterback has the Jets on a two-game winning streak and is playing his best football of the season. Darnold will be looking to make up for last year when he threw four interceptions against the Patriots. With nothing to lose, he should play loose while trying to replicate what Buffalo's passing offense did against the Patriots defense last week.

Jamison Crowder, WR: The sixth-year receiver has had a consistent career and is leading the Jets this season with 55 catches for 668 yards, right in line with his usual output despite missing four games. He has 13 catches in the last two games and will be a focal point for the Patriots pass defense. He's by far their most productive weapon.

Ty Johnson, RB: With Frank Gore out and La'Mical Perine landing on the COVID-19 list, the Jets will be down to Johnson and Josh Adams at running back, assuming neither are ruled close contacts to Perine. Johnson broke 100 yards against the Raiders this season but has seen limited action since. This could hurt how well the Jets are able to attack the Patriots run defense that ranks 27th in rushing yards allowed.

Mekhi Becton, OT: The mammoth rookie left tackle will be a Jets fixture for a long time and he'll be a key in both protecting Darnold's blind side and springing Perine off the edge. With inconsistent edge play this season, the Patriots will need to be at their most stout against Becton.

Marcus Maye, S: The leader on the back end of the Jets defense, Maye has played every game, picking up two interceptions, two sacks and a team-leading 11 passes defensed. The safety will be heavily involved in the Jets defensive gameplan and will be a thorn in the Patriots side all game long.