The 2-3 New England Patriots will host the 3-3 San Francisco 49ers in Week 7 in what is a pivotal game for both clubs.
The Patriots are coming off a Week 6 loss at home to the Denver Broncos, while the 49ers defeated the Los Angeles Rams at home in Week 6.
With Week 7 of the NFL season almost here, let's take a look at four bold predictions for the Patriots-49ers game from a New England perspective.
1. Cam Newton bounces back after putrid game vs. Broncos
Patriots quarterback Cam Newton really struggled in his return to the lineup against the Broncos. The former MVP threw two picks and finished with a quarterback rating of only 51.6.
Newton, though, should be able to bounce back against the 49ers have another full week of practice. The Pro Bowl, dual-threat signal-caller contracted COVID-19 a few weeks ago, so he was expected to be rusty against the Broncos.
In his first season with the Patriots after a stellar career with Carolina Panthers, Newton has thrown for 871 yards and two touchdowns. He has more interceptions (4) than touchdowns, though, so that trend has to change soon if the Patriots want to make the playoffs in the first season of the post–Tom Brady era.
Against the 49ers, look for Newton to throw for a touchdown and also run for one. He has five rushing touchdowns on the season already and the Niners' run defense isn't as stout as it used to be since Nick Bosa is out for the season.
2. Julian Edelman will play and catch at least six passes
Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman is dealing with a knee injury, but the Patriots would be shocked if the do-it-all wideout misses the Niners game since it's a must-win game for New England.
Edelman has 20 receptions on the season for 302 yards. However, he has yet to reach the end zone, as he's clearly not on the same page with Newton yet after having tremendous chemistry with Brady.
Against the Niners, look for Edelman to catch at least six passes from Newton and be a pest in the slot. The three-time Super Bowl champion may not get in the end zone for the first time in 2020, but the Patriots will likely target Edelman a lot and run some reverse actions with the versatile playmaker.
3. Patriots defense picks off Jimmy Garoppolo two times
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick knows Jimmy Garoppolo's strengths and weaknesses better than anyone since he coached the Niners QB for three seasons.
With that being said, look for the Patriots' defense to make life miserable for Garoppolo in his return to New England. The Illinois native is still dealing with an ankle injury, so New England's pass rush has to put constant pressure on Garoppolo and make him move around in the pocket, something he doesn't want to do due to his nagging ankle ailment.
The Patriots didn't give up a touchdown in Week 6 against the Broncos. Garoppolo is a better quarterback than Denver signal-caller Drew Lock, but when you give Belichick this much time to prepare for a QB he already has knowledge on, it spells trouble for the Patriots' opponent.
4. Patriots snap two-game losing streak, defeat 49ers
The Patriots will defeat the Niners in Week 7 to snap their two-game losing streak and improve to 3-3 on the season. New England is under a lot of pressure to win this game since they enter the contest in third place in the AFC East standings. Many pundits believe the Patriots could miss the playoffs this season, which hasn't happened since 2008 when Matt Cassel started for an injured Brady.
With so much negative news surrounding New England right now, look for the Patriots to use the outside noise as motivation and send a message to the NFL that they are still one of the best teams in the league despite the departure of Brady. Newton, as we mentioned above, has to get things going on offense with his arm and he should accomplish that goal against a depleted 49ers defense.
Despite there being no fans in attendance, New England is 2-1 at home this season but coming off a bad loss to the Broncos at Gillette Stadium in Week 6. This is a proud Patriots team that understands the importance of this Niners game since the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins are ahead of them in the AFC East standings.
If may not be pretty, but look for the Pats to win this game and develop some rhythm on offense as Newton continues to get over his positive COVID-19 test.
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