Lead writer Nick St. Denis and AFC East Daily contributors Dan Begnoche and Sean Donovan pick the New England Patriots' primetime showdown with the San Francisco 49ers.
Nick's take:
The Patriots are up against their toughest task to date, which we said last week. Remember how that went? The 49ers are a much better team than the Texans, though, starting with the best scoring defense in the NFL. Plus, San Francisco has actually proven it can win in big moments, unlike Houston. That said, New England's turnover-crazed defense frustrates Colin Kaepernick, and Tom Brady does his thing.
Prediction: Patriots 30, 49ers 24 (Nick's record: 32-10)
Sean's take:
It's not often that the Patriots play against a middle linebacker who can match up with any back or tight end that Brady has, much less two. While Patrick Willis and Navarro Bowman key a respectable defensive effort, it's the multi-dimensional Kaepernick and the San Fransisco offense that drives the upset of the red-hot Patriots.
Prediction: 49ers 35, Patriots 31 (Sean's record: 32-10)
Dan's take:
Just when it looked like the Pats may have some trouble with the Texans, New England proved its offense can withstand a bout with a heavyweight defense. Well, round two this weekend against the league's No. 2 defense, although San Fran has nine fewer takeaways and five fewer sacks than the Houston squad. The 49ers' offense is a bit more explosive than it was with Alex Smith, but not nearly as reliable.
Prediction: Patriots 34, 49ers 20 (Dan's record: 25-17)
