Studs: QB Tom Brady, WR Randy Moss, DT Vince Wilfork
Duds: RB Laurence Maroney
Sleepers: WR Julian Edelman
X-Factor: Can wide receiver Wes Welker return to old form after a fast ACL rehab?
Synopsis: The defending division champs will have their hands full in what is arguably the toughest division in football. The offseason has been somewhat tumultuous with the loss of DL Ty Warren (out for the year) and the contract impasse with starting LT Logan Mankins. The Mankins holdout appears to have no end in sight, and the anchor of the OL is threatening to sit out the season. The Patriots have failed to find a dependable runner, former first round pick RB Laurence Maroney seems to be in Bill Bellichick’s doghouse yet again. They will lean on a running back by