Mac Jones, QB: Jones got the first win of his career last week against the Jets and now looks to continue his progress against a tough Saints defense. Jones is completing close to three-quarters of his passes but the lack of explosive plays and red zone finish have been areas to improve upon. The Saints won't make it easy on the rookie, he'll need his best passing performance yet.

Hunter Henry, TE: Henry has five catches for 73 yards through two games and saw his usage expanded in Week 2 as Jonnu Smith was dealing with a hip injury. Henry is quickly getting up to speed after missing a significant portion of time due to injury this summer. For a team looking to finish drives with more touchdowns, Henry should be a key component as he looks due for a breakout game.

Ja'Whaun Bentley, LB: Bentley had one of his best games last weekend as the fourth-year linebacker has made strides in the defense. This week his job gets even tougher going against Alvin Kamara, a versatile running back who can do it all. Bentley and the defensive linemen in front of him must make things tough for Kamara when he tries to run up the middle. Bentley's physicality continues to be a big defensive key.

Kyle Dugger, DB: Dugger has been a key defensive piece for the Patriots through two weeks, playing 93 percent of the defensive snaps in Week 1 and 75 percent in Week 2. Dugger often takes the role of covering running backs out of the backfield and this week he'll have one of his toughest tests yet going against Alvin Kamara, the Saints leading receiver who has broken 80 receptions in each of his first four seasons. He could have help from Adrian Phillips, who is often matched on tight ends.

Josh Uche, LB: With the Patriots building a significant second-half lead, it provided an opportunity for Uche to shine as the Jets shifted to a come-back passing mode. Uche has been effective but broke 30 snaps against the Jets for just the third time in his career. Will his role grow this week against Winston or will Kamara's presence mean a heavy run-stop approach? Uche continues to be an intriguing player on defense.

Jameis Winston, QB: It was the tale of two games for Winston to start the 2021 season, as he threw five touchdowns in Week 1 and two interceptions in Week 2. Which version of Winston will show up in New England? Against a ball-hawking Patriots secondary, forcing takeaways will be a big key in the game. If the Saints are able to get Kamara going, it will open things up for Winston.

Alvin Kamara, RB: Kamara is the Saints' key offensive player, and the Patriots defense will need their full focus to shut down the balanced back. After seeing the Jets surpass 150 rushing yards, this is a far more potent ground attack this week. If the Patriots want to answer the questions about their run defense, this is the perfect week and matchup to do it. Containing Kamara is their most important task.

Cameron Jordan, DL: Jordan is still clearly the best player in the Saints front seven, a disruptive defensive lineman who can dominate against any offensive lineman. He's also a big key to the Saints impressive run defense and can be a major problem against the pass as well. The 10-year pro had two QB hits in Week 1 but is still searching for his first sack of the season.

Demario Davis, LB: The former Jet has been a stalwart for the Saints defense over the last three seasons, breaking 100 tackles in each, but he's more than just a tackling machine as Davis can be a force on passing downs as well. He has 18 sacks in the last four seasons. Jones and the Patriots offense will need a plan to deal with Davis, especially if they want to get their ground game going.

Malcolm Jenkins, S: Jenkins is a long-time fixture on defense, he spent his first five season with the Saints before spending six with the Eagles that included a win over the Patriots in Super Bowl 52. Now in his second season back in New Orleans, he's the back-end glue for the Saints secondary and is heavily involved in nearly every play. Even at 33, he's still an impressive playmaker.