Patriots at Lions: Who's got the most to prove and lose tonight, and what to watch for

We'll finally get a look at the defending Super Bowl champions tonight as the Patriots take on the Lions at Ford Field (7:30 p.m., Ch. 4/98.5-FM). 

Here's a look at what we'll be watching:

WHO'S IN, WHO'S OUT?

Here are the notable players who did not suit up for the opener against the Redskins last season: Tom Brady, Sony Michel (injured), Jason McCourty, Jonathan Jones (injured), Devin McCourty, Rex Burkhead (injured), Marcus Cannon, Rob Gronkowski, Trey Flowers.

So, basically, the starting defense played about 27 snaps and the starting offensive line had about 16. Could we see that again? Possibly. The team isn't getting any work for the next two days, so that could be a factor.

Among the veterans, I would anticipate Brady, Ben Watson, the McCourtys, Patrick Chung, Michael Bennett, Lawrence Guy and Cannon all getting rest. Possibly Dont'a Hightower and Stephon Gilmore.

MOST TO PROVE


WR Braxton Berrios: He's had a mediocre camp to this point and Julian Edelman will be returning sooner rather than later. The time is now for Berrios to show he can play at this level and consistently.

WR Dontrelle Inman: Due to injury, no one is sure exactly what he can do. Time to show out to the coaches because reinforcements are coming.

LT Dan Skipper: Isaiah Wynn will probably start to ramp up his participation next week so Skipper's chances to show he can be at least the backup swing tackle will be limited.

CB Duke Dawson: Last year's second-round pick has yet to assert himself after coming back from injury. Is a corner? A safety? Is he a player, or is he Cyrus Jones II? We need to start to get answers.

Edge Derek Rivers: The 2017 third-round pick has been a big enigma so far in his career. Health isn't an excuse anymore. Time to put up or shut up.

S Obi Melifonwu: Didn't have much of a role after arriving late last season, but there are some moving parts up for grabs at safety and Melifonwu can stake a claim.

LB Ja'Whaun Bentley: He really popped once the preseason arrived last year to the point he was knocking on the door of being a starter as a rookie. Then he tore his bicep and it's been a slow comeback since. What kind of player is he, really?

LB Christian Sam: Got hurt last year but has flashed at times in camp. Is it enough to grab a roster spot at a crowded position?

MOST TO LOSE

DT Adam Butler: After being a rising standout as a sub rusher, Butler has been subpar in this camp. Combine that with the Patriots looking to pressure with more linebackers, his roster spot could be in danger.

S Duron Harmon: His playing time got cut in the postseason and now the Patriots have added two (Melifonwu, Terrence Brooks) safeties. Can Harmon hold his roster spot?

P Ryan Allen: Would expect him to get all the punts and holds tonight. But we all know the deal. The Patriots traded up and drafted Jake Bailey in the fifth round, and he has a huge leg.

LB Elandon Roberts: Bentley, Christian Sam and darkhorse Calvin Munson are all coming for his job.

BEST BATTLES

Edge: John Simon, Chase Winovich, Derek Rivers, Deatrich Wise, Shilique Calhoun, Trent Harris, Keionta Davis

Whether with the Patriots or in camp, all of these players have had their moments and shown some ability. Rivers has the most to prove, but expect Calhoun and Winovich to really pop. Simon might have to do some work to keep his roster spot.

Reserve CBs: Keion Crossen, Duke Dawson, Jason McCourty, D'Angelo Ross

Stephon Gilmore, J.C. Jackson, Joejuan Williams and Jonathan Jones (if not traded) are locks to make this roster. Everything else is up for grabs. Can Ross, the rising camp star, keep making plays in the game?

Middle linebacker: Elandon Roberts, Ja'Whaun Bentley, Christian Sam, Calvin Munson

Roberts has been the underappreciated incumbent, but everything has yet to be determined at this position.

Backup QB: Brian Hoyer, Jarrett Stidham

This is all about Stidham. If he can demonstrate he can run the finer points of this passing offense (might not get in a chance to do that in these games), he might be able to allow the Patriots to keep just two quarterbacks.

No. 4/5 WR: Braxton Berrios, Phillip Dorsett, Jakobi Meyers, Dontrelle Inman

Depending on what happens with Josh Gordon, Demaryius Thomas and Cam Meredith, these players might be fighting for one or two spots.

Punter: Ryan Allen, Jake Bailey

We all know the deal here.

Tight end: Matt LaCosse, Ryan Izzo, Stephen Anderson, Lance Kendricks (injured)

To be honest, I'm not sure the Patriots have any idea what they have at this position. Time to sort it out. Best man/men win.

Backup G/C: Ted Karras, James Ferentz, Hjlate Froholdt.

Karras is the incumbent, but depending on what happens at tackle, there might be just one job up for grabs and Froholdt was a fourth-round pick.

WHO'S PLAYING WHERE, AND IN WHAT ORDER?

It's not exactly a big tell, but keep track who is playing at each position and the pecking order. That goes for the offense, defense and special teams. Then factor in the players who are injured or sitting out.

When it comes to filling out a roster, especially with younger players, special teams is usually a big tell.