New England Patriots: 5 key offensive players key vs. Kansas City Chiefs

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 13: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots reacts with Rob Gronkowski #87 during the third quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 13: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots reacts with Rob Gronkowski #87 during the third quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots Rob Gronkowski (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
New England Patriots Rob Gronkowski (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Rob Gronkowski

This one is a given.  If Rob Gronkowski finds within him another monster game catching the ball, the New England Patriots win this game.

With all the talk about Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce as the best tight end in the NFL, don’t rule out the Gronk of old emerging.  With how great he was blocking for the team against the Los Angeles Chargers, he may leak out for a couple big plays, just like he did in the two teams first matchup.

He does still have a big game in him and expect Tom Brady to target him a big more in this game, even with Chiefs safety Eric Berry available to play in this game.

For Rob Gronkowski to be effective in the passing game, he doesn’t really have to separate from defenders with his speed, if they can get him the ball in space, he is still capable of breaking tackles and getting extra yardage.

The one reception he did have in the AFC Divisional round game proved that.  On a quick slant from Tom Brady, Gronkowski broke a few tackles like the Gronk of old and scampered for a 25-yard gain.

You better believe the New England Patriots will revisit that a couple of times in this game.