The New England Patriots, after dropping their last two matchups to the Seattle Seahawks and New York Jets, are hitting the road again for the third time in four weeks for a Sunday matchup with the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
New England's offense has looked horrendous through three weeks, and their defense which was supposed to be one of the best in the league, has looked questionable at times.
San Francisco has also started their 2024 campaign with a 1-2 record after losing in the Super Bowl last year. They've dealt with a number of injuries to key players, including All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey, who already landed on injured reserve.
Before we get to game day, let's take a look at these two teams and discuss some things that fans should know heading into the matchup.
Rankings
Points scored per game
New England: 13.0 (31st)
San Francisco: 24.3 (t-8th)
Points allowed per game
New England: 19.0 (t-10th)
San Francisco: 23.0 (21st)
Yards gained per game
New England: 246.3 (32nd)
San Francisco: 407.3 (3rd)
Yards allowed per game
New England: 327.3 (19th)
San Francisco: 321.7 (16th)
History
The Patriots and 49ers have played 14 times throughout their histories with San Francisco winning nine games and New England winning five.
New England is 2-4 on the road against San Francisco, but they're 1-0 at Levi's Stadium.
The last time these two teams met, the 49ers beat the Patriots 33-6 at Gillette Stadium in 2020.
Injury concerns
Both teams will practice again on Friday, but here's what we know so far:
Offensive tackle Vederian Lowe (knee), guard Michael Jordan (ankle) and cornerback Alex Austin (ankle) were non-participants for New England on Thursday.
Six Patriots were limited - cornerback Christian Gonzalez (shoulder), linebacker Anfernee Jennings (shoulder), tight end Hunter Henry (ankle), cornerback Jonathan Jones (shoulder), guard Sidy Sow (ankle), offensive tackle Caedan Wallace (knee) and center David Andrews (rest).
Offensive tackle Michael Onwenu (wrist) and safety Jabrill Peppers (ankle) practiced fully.
Defensive lineman Javon Hargrave (triceps) and wide receiver Jacob Cowing (illness) were non-participants for San Francisco.
Five 49ers were limited - tight end George Kittle (hamstring), defensive tackle Jordan Elliott (foot), linebacker Curtis Robinson (knee) wide receiver Deebo Samuel (calf) and linebacker Dee Winters (ankle).
Offensive tackle Trent Williams (illness) and quarterback Brock Purdy (back). practiced fully.
Connections
- Patriots offensive line coach Scott Peters played for the 49ers in 2004.
- Patriots quarterbacks coach T.C. McCartney served as an offensive assistant/quality control coach with the 49ers in 2015.
- Patriots tight ends coach Bob Bicknell served as 49ers wide receiver coach in 2016.
- Patriots running backs coach Taylor Embree served as 49ers offensive quality control coach from 2017-19.
- Patriots offensive assistant Ben McAdoo served as 49ers assistant offensive line coach in 2005.
- 49ers offensive assistant Mick Lombardi served as Patriots scouting assistant from 2011-12, assistant quarterbacks coach in 2019 and wide receivers coach from 2020-21.
- 49ers wide receivers coach Leonard Hankerson played for the Patriots in 2015.
- Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne played for the 49ers from 2017-20.
- Patriots running back JaMycal Hasty played for the 49ers from 2020-21.
- Patriots linebacker Christian Ellis played for the 49ers in 2021.
- Patriots kicker Joey Slye played for the 49ers in 2021.
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