The Patriots and 49ers are both coming off losses and need this football game so we will see what happens on Sunday.  The Patriots will likely shift gears on offense and come out running the football against the Niners.  Sammy Morris, LaMont Jordan and Laurence Maroney will likely split carries against a Niners’ D that is allowing 124.5 yards rushing per game and 4.0 ypc.  The Patriots must protect Cassel better if he is to have any success throwing the ball against the Niners who have solid corners as Patriots’ QBs have been sacked 10 times in three games this season.  It appears as if Cassel prefers to throw to Wes Welker over Randy Moss.

The Patriots are allowing a stunning 140.7 yards rushing per game and 5.0 yards per carry so look for Frank Gore to be the focal point of the offense for the Niners.  Make no mistake though, the Niners will put the ball in the air some with J.T. O’Sullivan spreading the ball around to WRs Arnaz Battle, Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson.  The Niners’ O-Line must protect O’Sullivan better as they have allowed 19 sacks already this season and that has led to big mistakes.

PREDICTION:  SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 21, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 17