NEW ENGLAND

2017 | 13-3, 1st in East Last year in playoffs | 2017

THREE PLAYERS WHO MUST COME THROUGH

TE Rob Gronkowski: A first-team All-Pro last year, Gronkowski is recovered from various injuries and looks dominant again. Tom Brady might be the greatest quarterback of all time — at least in the discussion — but the Patriots offense runs through Gronkowski, especially with Julian Edelman suspended for the first four weeks.

CB Stephon Gilmore: In his second season with the Patriots, Gilmore is a big and physical lock-down corner. He started slowly last season but came on strong. He had a good year, and now coaches are expecting a great year.

DB Devin McCourty: He plays all over — free safety, slot corner and even linebacker in some schemes. The captain of the defense is essential to a secondary that was frequently torched last season. A ramped up pass rush would help. THREE PLAYERS TO WATCH WR Phillip Dorsett: The former first-round pick by Indianapolis came as part of the Jacoby Brissett trade and has the speed to replace Brandin Cooks, now with the Rams.

RB Rex Burkhead: Durability is an issue with Burkhead, who played only 190 snaps last season but made the most of them, scoring eight touchdowns (five rushing, three receiving). He’ll be big in picking up the Edelman slack.

DE Trey Flowers: In his fourth season, Flowers hasn’t put up huge sack numbers (13½ in last two years combined) but he likely would have in a different system. The Patriots are ready to take full advantage of his skills. FANTASY SLEEPER RB Sony Michel: A first-round pick out of Georgia, he averaged a staggering 7.9 yards per carry for the Bulldogs. Should be a good replacement for the departed Dion Lewis but is already dealing with knee issues.