Win: The Pats are rolling on a two-game win streak and now have a chance for a winning record for the first time since going 2-1 through the first three weeks of the 2020 season. 
A good bet is that he'll be lined up on Jakobi Meyers, who has 13 catches on 23 third-down targets for 11 first downs, leading the Patriots by far. It will be imperative for Mac Jones to identify where the lockdown corner is every time he is on the field and avoid making bad decisions in his direction.
Find the Gilly Lock: Matt Rhile says he expects Stephon Gilmore to once again be limited to just third downs, but that will still be enough reps for Gilmore to adversely affect the Patriots' offensive gameplan. By forcing Walker to look elsewhere, the Patriots defense will give themselves a leg up. Jackson battling an illness this week, it could be even more of a group effort from the secondary as they try to slow down Moore. Moore, who is by far their most potent weapon until Christian McCaffrey gets fully back up to speed. Less of Moore: The biggest piece of the Panthers offense at this point is receiver D.J. Points will be at a premium and if the red zone struggles strike again, finding another way to get into the end zone will be a major boost. Walker and the battered Carolina offense against the wall, forcing them to chase throughout the game by putting the ball in the air. Steal Some Points: This feeds into the red zone focus, but this is a week where the Patriots could need to get some unconventional points, whether it's another pick-six like they got last week or breaking Gunner Olszewski free on a punt return. Josh McDaniels might have to reach into his bag of tricks as the Patriots close in on the end zone. 
On the road, things have been particularly difficult for New England, as they rank 31st in the league. For much of the season, finishing inside the 20-yard-line has been a challenge for the incubating Patriots offense, but against one of the toughest defenses they'll face this season in Carolina, it's one of the biggest keys to the game.
Gotta Finish: After a red zone explosion at home against the Jets, the Patriots converted just one red zone trip into a touchdown against the Chargers.
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