Patriots vs. Chiefs: 6 Surprise hero candidates

3. Akiem Hicks

Last week, Rich Hill of Pats Pulpit pointed out that Hicks was the best acquisition the Patriots made among a flurry of midseason moves. He has climbed up the depth chart to grab the No. 3 defensive tackle spot behind Malcom Brown and Alan Branch. According to Reiss, Hicks was on the field for 27.5 percent of defensive snaps, the third-most among the six defensive tackles the Patriots fielded in 2015.

10 Most valuable Patriots players from 2015

Against the Chiefs’ top-notch ground game, the Patriots are going to need their interior defensive lineman to fill holes. Not only can Hicks provide assistance in that realm, but he is also a decent pass rusher from the defensive tackle position. If Hicks plays well, the Patriots’ front seven will have a better go of it against Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware.

Here’s what Bill Belichick said about HIcks after the win over the Houston Texans in Week 14:

"He’s big, he’s long. I think he complements Branch well. He had production in this game, but he’s had production in other games. Some have been sacks, some haven’t, but he’s done a good job for us in there."

Keep a close eye on Hicks in this game; he could very well prove to be the difference against the Chiefs’ rushing attack.

Next: 2. Leonard Johnson