Patriots-49ers Predictions
BOSTON (CBS) - The 98.5 The Sports Hub and WBZ-TV Sports teams make their predictions for Sunday night's Patriots-49ers clash at Gillette Stadium.
Scott Zolak, 98.5 The Sports Hub
Based off last week, it's hard to ignore the Patriots' performance at home.
The Texans and 49er games were thought to be the barometer and the Patriots' test for the stretch run here.
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I expect this game to be tighter than Monday night. They understand this team is going to be different than the Texans. San Francisco is an all-around team that hits hard.
I still like the Patriots in this one though.
Patriots 34, 49ers 17
Andy Gresh, 98.5 The Sports Hub
It's a much different challenge this week compared to dealing with the Houston Texans.
San Francisco has a defense that is layered with multiple defensive lineman in the Smith boys, two middle backers, and we're going to come away from this game saying Navarro Bowman is very good. The secondary people will hit, and the San Fran defense is going to look at this as their big challenge. If they can slow down the Patriots, it's a big feather in their cap.
That said, this is going to be a battle. It's going to be tough for the Patriots to get up on the emotional high they did last week. It's going to be a very close game. I thought the Patriots were going to lose one of these two games, and I think this one is it.
49ers 21, Patriots 20
Dan Roche, WBZ-TV Sports
One would expect an emotional letdown from the Patriots after their near-perfect game against the Texans on Monday night.
However, two factors may be in play here: 1) a win gives the Pats a great chance of a first round bye and home-field advantage in the playoffs, and 2) Tom Brady. The guy just never let's up. Ever!
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The Niners feature the best defense in the NFL as far as points allowed go (14-per-game), but the Patriots usually find a way into the end zone.
As for Colin Kaepernick, the two important players on the Pats D are Rob Ninkovich and Chandler Jones. These "edge" guys have to keep him from getting outside to run/throw.
It should be an old school game, and a lot of fun to watch.
Patriots 28, 49ers 20
Levan Reid, WBZ-TV Sports
So here is the game that I expect the Pats to lose. The 49ers should and will give New England a game. They play the close to the vest style of offense that will limit the Patriots possessions and their defense can get after the quarterback.
The Pats need to get tested before they make a move into the play-offs. Maybe I am just hoping that the 49ers will give Tom Brady and the boys a game. They need to see and come through some adversity. The Texans were supposed to be that team. It didn't happen.
Colin Kaepernick can keep the defense on their toes with his running quarterback style and the 49ers dee will be the best the Pats will face. No doubt, San Francisco knows this won't be easy.
I just feel the Pats have made this incredible run with injuries and being thin at the wide receiver spot. Sunday night it all catches up with them.
49ers 20, Patriots 14
Tune in to Patriots-49ers Sunday night on 98.5 The Sports Hub! Pregame coverage begins at 5pm with Patriots Preview, with three hours of coverage following the game. WBZ-TV's coverage kicks off with Patriots GameDay at 11:30am, with Patriots 5th Quarter after the game.
