The New England Patriots and the San Francisco 49ers are set to face off this week in the NFL at 4:15 on Sunday afternoon. The Patriots are expecting to have two important offensive linemen return to the lineup in David Andrews and Shaq Mason after both missing time due to surgery and COVID respectively. The Patriots offensive line could use a boost after struggling last week against Denver, allowing 4 sacks on Cam Newton and only creating 41 total rushing yards for their running backs.
According to the sports book Betonline.ag, the Patriots enter this matchup as 2.5 point favorites over the 49ers, the second smallest spread of any matchup this week.
The Skinny
Sparks are bound to fly when one of the league’s best offensive minds in Kyle Shanahan takes on the greatest coach of all time in Bill Belichick in this week 7 matchup of playoff hopefuls. The Patriots are currently 2.5 point favorites but with the inconsistent play that we have seen from both of these teams it’s hard to label one of them as the clear favorite in this matchup.
The 49ers are coming off of their best win of the season having beaten their division rivals the LA Rams last week in a game where the 49ers star tight end George Kittle caught for 109 yards and a touchdown seemingly running circles around the LA defensive backs. The Patriots on the other hand are coming off of their worst game of the season after losing to the injury battered Denver Broncos in a field goal battle that saw them lose 12-18. The Patriots were 3 point favorites going into that game but struggled to create any type of momentum of offense, through the air or on the ground.
The Patriots will likely focus on eliminating the 49ers biggest offensive threat in Kittle with double teams and safety help, similar to the teams game plan against Darren Waller of the Raiders.
The 49ers are unlikely to have their starting running back in Raheem Mostert due to a high ankle sprain which could put a damper on their dynamic running attack. Jerrick Mckinnon will take over on most snaps for Mostert.
Prediction
With the offenses of both teams being in flux and still adapting to one another this game will likely become a defensive showdown between two well coached disciplined teams. The over-under of 44 is right around where this game will likely end up, but it is much more likely that the defenses of these teams shut down the other offenses, than it is for this game to turn into a shootout.
In terms of betting against the Patriots, history would tell you that it’s not a smart thing to do coming off of a loss. The Patriots have only lost back to back games 11 times in the Belichick era, prompting us to believe that this week will be no different. With the team finally able to put their full offensive line together, they hope to protect Cam and give him more time to make plays happen.
The 49ers offense will be difficult to slow down and will likely keep them in the game, but a lack of experience in the secondary for San Francisco could leave them short in their attempt to beat their QB’s old team.
Patriots 21, 49ers 17.
