Free Picks: New England Patriots vs San Francisco 49ers

Patriots bounce back

The San Francisco 49ers have been a bit underwhelming this season. They started the season 2-3, but are coming off a win against division rival, Los Angeles Rams. The Rams didn’t play well, but a win’s a win.

However, the 49ers lost their starting RB Raheem Mostert, who is heading to the injured reserve with an ankle sprain. He’s been unable to stay healthy, which is unfortunate because he’s a true difference-maker in the 49ers’ offense. They look more alive and determined when he’s on the field, so they may struggle against New England in his absence.

The Patriots are coming off a puzzling Week 6 loss at home to the Denver Broncos. Cam Newton is back at starting quarterback after he tested positive for COVID-19, but he did not play well. Newton threw for a pitiful 157 yards two interceptions, and no touchdowns. The offense couldn’t get anything going and New England finished the day with only 12 points on the board.

I’m inclined to bet on New England at home against a middling team like the 49ers, but they’ve also lost the best cornerback in the league in Stephon Gilmore after he tested positive for COVID-19. This means that the 49ers may be able to do some damage through the air. This is something to consider, but the home-field advantage will be a factor here and I don’t believe that Bill Belichick will allow his team to lose at home two weeks in a row to middle-tier teams.

It’’s a bit of a toss-up, but the point spread is low enough for me to bank on the home team here, who I think will bounce back. 888sport has the point spread set at -2.5 (1.91) for the New England Patriots.

FREE PICK: NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS COVER THE POINT SPREAD 2-5 (1.91)