The New England Patriots are set to clash with the San Francisco 49ers in what promises to be a compelling NFL matchup. Fans across the nation are eager to tune in and witness this exciting game. If you’re wondering where to watch the New England Patriots vs 49ers game, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will provide you with the key broadcast details and delve into a detailed scouting report of both teams, ensuring you’re fully prepared for game day.
For viewers in the local markets of the Patriots and 49ers, the game will likely be broadcast on your local CBS or FOX affiliate channel. Nationally, depending on the game’s primetime status, you might find it on networks like ESPN or NFL Network. Streaming services are also increasingly becoming the go-to option for NFL fans. Platforms such as NFL+, Paramount+, ESPN+, and various live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV often carry NFL games. Be sure to check your local listings closer to game day to confirm the exact channel and streaming options available in your region.
Now, let’s dive into a detailed breakdown of what to expect on the field.
Patriots vs 49ers: Scouting the Key Matchups
When the Patriots Run – Edge: Patriots
On paper, the San Francisco 49ers boast a formidable run defense, currently allowing around 104 rushing yards per game, placing them in the top ten of the league. However, digging deeper into the statistics reveals a potential vulnerability. The Niners concede an average of 4.5 yards per carry, ranking them a less impressive 22nd in this metric. This suggests that while they can limit overall yardage, they can be susceptible to explosive runs.
For the New England Patriots, the key to success in the ground game will be dictating the game script. Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt will aim to establish the run early and consistently. This strategy faltered against the Jets when the Patriots fell behind, forcing them to abandon their rushing attack. To avoid a similar scenario in San Francisco, Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson need to be heavily involved and productive. Despite a lackluster performance against the Jets, the Patriots still maintain a strong eighth-place ranking in rushing offense, averaging 144.3 yards per game. Both Stevenson, with an average of 4.3 yards per carry, and Gibson, at an impressive 6.2 yards per carry, demonstrate the potential for a successful ground attack.
The Patriots receive a significant boost with the absence of standout 49ers defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, who is sidelined for the season due to injury. This leaves Maliek Collins as the primary force upfront, alongside the formidable linebacker Fred Warner. While the 49ers defense will be eager to rebound after a disappointing loss to the Rams, the Patriots’ offensive line must be prepared for a physical battle and capitalize on Hargrave’s absence.
When the Patriots Pass – Edge: 49ers
The Patriots’ passing game has struggled significantly through the early part of the season, currently positioned at the bottom of the league rankings, averaging a mere 102 passing yards per game. Numerous factors contribute to this deficiency, most notably the inconsistencies of the offensive line. Protection for quarterback Jacoby Brissett has been a major concern. While the receivers haven’t been standout performers and Brissett himself has had moments of inaccuracy and delayed reads, the root issue lies in the offensive line’s inability to provide a clean pocket.
Until the offensive line stabilizes and offers better protection, it’s difficult to foresee a dramatic improvement in the passing game. Facing the San Francisco 49ers on the road presents an even greater challenge. Despite some injuries, the 49ers defense, led by Nick Bosa, possesses the potential to unleash a dominant pass rush. The Patriots’ left tackle position has been particularly vulnerable, with rookie Caedan Wallace filling in due to Vederian Lowe’s injury. However, protection breakdowns have been a collective issue across the entire offensive line. Brissett has shown resilience in evading some sacks, but he has absorbed considerable hits and requires greater support from his offensive line and more impactful playmaking from his receiving corps.
When the Niners Run – Edge: Niners
The New England Patriots’ run defense has been a bright spot early in the season, ranking among the top five in the league in both rushing yards allowed per game (83) and yards per rush (3.7). However, they are yet to encounter a team as committed to the run as the San Francisco 49ers, even with the absence of All-Pro Christian McCaffrey.
Jordan Mason, an undrafted free agent, has stepped into the lead back role and thrived within Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system. Mason leads the 49ers in rushing with 324 yards and has scored two touchdowns, averaging an impressive 4.8 yards per carry. The 49ers’ offensive strategy revolves around establishing the run to create opportunities for their explosive passing game, indicating Mason will likely see a significant workload early in the game.
Davon Godchaux has been a solid presence in the interior of the Patriots’ defensive line. However, the absence of linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley, who is sidelined with an injury, has noticeably impacted the overall run defense. In Week 3, the New York Jets rushed for 133 yards against the Patriots in their first game without Bentley. San Francisco will undoubtedly seek to exploit this vulnerability. While Anfernee Jennings has performed well setting the edge, there have been inconsistencies in other areas of run defense. Raekwon McMillan, Bentley’s replacement, also struggled, and Shanahan is expected to design plays to take advantage of this.
When the Niners Pass – Edge: Niners
Injuries have also impacted the 49ers’ passing attack, particularly the absence of Christian McCaffrey, who is a crucial receiving threat for San Francisco. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel and tight end George Kittle both missed the previous game against the Rams, though Kittle has a chance to return for the Patriots game. The potential return of Kittle would be a significant boost for quarterback Brock Purdy, who performed admirably against the Rams despite these absences. Jauan Jennings had a breakout game with 175 receiving yards and three touchdowns, playing alongside Brandon Aiyuk, who is experiencing a slower start to the season after his training camp holdout.
Purdy has faced pressure due to inconsistencies in the 49ers’ offensive line, especially when All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams briefly exited the game last week. The Patriots’ secondary has struggled in recent weeks, ranking 28th in the league and allowing an average of 244.3 passing yards per game. This is concerning as they prepare to face the 49ers, who currently boast the second-ranked passing attack in the NFL, averaging 267.7 yards per game even with their key players missing time. It will be imperative for Patriots defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington to devise effective strategies to pressure Purdy, as the secondary has not consistently held up in coverage.
Special Teams – Edge: Patriots
The special teams units of both the Patriots and 49ers are fairly evenly matched, but the Patriots have demonstrated a slight edge in the early part of the 2024 season. Patriots punter Bryce Baringer has been exceptional, averaging 52.3 yards per punt with excellent directional control, evidenced by only one touchback and nine punts downed inside the 20-yard line. 49ers punter Mitch Wishnowsky, playing for a high-powered offense, has seen limited action with only five punts in three games but maintains a strong 49.4-yard average.
Both kickers, Joey Slye for the Patriots and Jake Moody for the 49ers, have only one missed field goal attempt each through three games. However, Moody’s miss was a critical one – a 55-yard attempt that went wide left late in the game against the Rams, giving Los Angeles the opportunity to drive for a game-tying touchdown. Marcus Jones remains a dangerous punt returner for the Patriots, averaging nearly 10 yards per return on his five attempts. San Francisco utilizes Jacob Cowling on punt returns and Samuel on kick returns, but neither has generated significant production thus far. Patriots coverage units have generally been solid, though there have been a couple of lapses on punt coverage. The Patriots must maintain discipline in special teams, especially on the road, to maximize their chances of securing an upset victory against the 49ers.
In Conclusion: The New England Patriots vs San Francisco 49ers game is shaping up to be a battle of contrasting strengths. To catch all the action live, remember to check your local TV listings for CBS or FOX, and explore streaming options like NFL+, Paramount+, ESPN+, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV. Enjoy the game!
