Scroll down to join us for live scoring updates, news and analysis Sunday when the 49ers face a tough road game against the Patriots.
GAME ESSENTIALS: 49ers (3-3) vs. Patriots (2-3) at Gillette Stadium on Sunday at 1:25 p.m. (PT). TV: CBS-TV, Announcers: Jim Nantz (play-by-play), Tony Romo (analyst), Tracy Wolfson (reporter).
ODDS: Patriots -2. OVER/UNDER: 43.5.
SERIES: 49ers lead 8-5-0. LAST MEETING: Patriots won 30-17 at Levi’s Stadium on Nov. 20, 2016.
WHY 49ERS COULD WIN: Cam Newton is coming off a rough performance in last week’s humbling 18-12 loss to the Broncos. The former Panthers star quarterback threw for just 157 yards and also threw two costly interceptions while finishing with a 51.6 QB rating. … One of Newton’s biggest issues is that he doesn’t have a go-to player he can rely on. Julian Edelman has a lingering knee injury and is playing like a shell of himself. He had two catches for 8 yards last week. … If San Francisco can hold the Patriots’ lackluster offense in check, it should be in good shape.
WHY PATRIOTS COULD WIN: Even though they lost six defensive starters from last year’s defense, the Patriots are still a solid unit. New England held Denver without a touchdown last week — the Broncos had six field goals — yet lost. It was the first time in Bill Belichick’s 21 years with the Patriots that his team lost a game despite not permitting a touchdown — New England had been 39-0 when not allowing a touchdown. … New England usually gets elite cornerback play from defending NFL Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore as well as Jonathan Jones and J.C. Jackson. … The Patriots, beset by injuries, should be getting some good news with the expected return of center David Andrews and guard Shaq Mason this week.
49ERS NEXT GAME: vs. Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 1:25 p.m. (PT).
