Antonio Gibson: Gibson has shown steady improvement in recent games and has brought a renewed spark to New England’s ground game. Early in the season, Gibson mostly played a reserve role with one standout early performance in Week 2 against Seattle, where he rushed for 96 yards on 11 carries.

However, in the last few games (Weeks 10–13), Gibson has seen a resurgence in efficiency. In Week 13 against Indianapolis, he rushed for 62 yards on 7 carries (8.9 YPC) with a touchdown, marking his most productive outing since early in the season.

Overall, Gibson has transitioned from a rotational back to a more impactful player, with recent performances indicating he could play a pivotal role down the stretch.

Kendrick Bourne: Since returning from injury, Kendrick Bourne’s 2024 season has shown steady progress, with noticeable improvement in his contributions over the past few games. Early on, he struggled to find a rhythm, but recent performances suggest he is regaining his form as a reliable target. For the season Bourne has 19 catches on 22 targets (86.4% catch rate), for 209 yards and a touchdown.

Over the last three games, Bourne has totaled 12 catches on 13 targets (92.3%) for 139 yards and a touchdown and has caught 100% of his targets in two of the last three games, including a standout five-reception, 70-yard performance with a touchdown against the Rams in Week 11.

After a slow reintegration (e.g., no catches in Week 8 against the Jets), Bourne has become a key part of the offense, averaging 46.3 receiving yards per game over the last three weeks.

Bourne’s late-season resurgence has provided a spark for the Patriots’ passing game. His improved efficiency and reliable hands suggest he’s back to being a trusted weapon for the offense, offering optimism heading into the season’s final stretch.

Christian Barmore: Christian Barmore’s recent performances highlight his growing involvement in the Patriots’ defensive line, with increased snap counts and moments of impactful play. Barmore’s playing time has grown, with his snap percentage rising to 50% or more in the last two games, reflecting a more prominent role in the defensive rotation.

There’s little question the Patriots defense, which ranks 27th in pressure rate, needs Barmore’s disruptive presence over the final four-game stretch, especially against three dangerous quarterbacks who are all capable of making game-changing plays if given the time and space to operate.

Cole Strange: The Patriots 2022 first-round pick was activated to the 53-man roster earlier this week and got his first padded practice under his belt on Wednesday. All signs are pointing toward Strange making his season debut in some fashion this weekend in Arizona.

The question is where which spot will he play. Strange has been a left guard since his arrival in New England but has been getting work at center this fall. Though in-season addition Ben Brown has been a saving grace after David Andrews went down with an injury and Nick Leverette was released, Strange’s elite athleticism is an intriguing trait that could earn him opportunities.

Getting younger players into the mix is a goal for the Patriots over the last four games and Strange should very much a part of that.

Kyler Murray: Fully recovered from a knee injury suffered against the Patriots in 2022, Murray has played all 13 games for the Cardinals this season, achieving a 6-7. He’s thrown for 2,862 yards with 15 touchdowns and 8 interceptions, completing 68.4% of his passes. Murray added 444 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns, showcasing dual-threat abilities.

The Patriots defensive plan must include keeping Murray contained in the pocket, where his height can be a detriment. His ability to scramble can be extremely frustrating, he’s quick and hard to lay a hit on.

“I think it all starts with the quarterback,” said Mayo this week. “I mean, this is one of the more elusive quarterbacks that you’re going to see in the league, as you guys know. He can beat you two ways. He can beat you with his arm, and he can beat you with his legs. He does a good job really getting the ball out and does a good job extending plays, and that’s what the NFL is. It turns into streetball at some point in time, and he does a good job there.”