It’s a battle of Will’s today. Literally!

Today’s game is the ultimate match up game for the Patriots. Offensively they will have their hands full against one of the best defenses in the NFL. Match ups will dictate what ultimately happens and who wins this game. The Patriots will need to be on the right side of these match ups if they ultimately want to win this game and advance.

Here are the top five match ups to watch.

Will Anderson vs. Will Campbell: The match ups of match ups. These two have faced one other time when Anderson was a senior and Campbell was a freshmen. Anderson had two sacks against Campbell that day but Campbell more than held his own. I think he will today as well but in certain situations, he will need help. The Patriots have to make sure they account for Anderson as much as possible in pass protection.

Danielle Hunter vs. Morgan Moses: Another key match up. This is not a good match up for Moses as Hunter is one of the most explosive pass rushers in the league. Moses may not get as much help as the left side will today. He will be left one on one against Hunter and he will need to hold up. It is why he was brought here. For games like today.

Sheldon Rankins vs. Jared Vance: Rankins is perhaps the most underrated Texans defender. He is quick off the snap, can play down the line and finish plays from the backside. He is a disruptive force when he wants to be. Jared Wilson will have his hands full all afternoon and quite frankly, needs to find a way to survive.

Christian Kirk vs. Christian Gonzalez: With Nico Collins out for the Texans, Christian Gonzalez will more than likely match up with Christian Kirk more depending on down and distance. The Patriots can have Gonzalez play more boundary corner in this game instead of him having to travel exclusively with one receiver. Now, if let’s say Carlton Davis struggles with Kirk, then they can play the match up game.

Derek Stingley vs. Stefon Diggs: Stingley is one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL and I would fully expect him to match up against Diggs a lot today, especially if Diggs is on the outside. Now, if the Patriots line up Diggs in the slot a fair amount today, then no. I think Stingley stays outside. The chess match involving this match up will be a big key.