New England at San Francisco Spread, Free Pick & TV Info

Posted by Kenny Bell on Friday,November 18, 2016 9:54, EDT in

It looks like one of the biggest mismatches of the season on Sunday when New England, the Super Bowl betting favorite on NFL odds, visits 1-8 San Francisco, which has lost eight game in a row. It’s the first regular-season game in the San Francisco area for Pats star QB Tom Brady, who grew up in the area. Be sure to take a look at the more NFL odds by clicking here.

New England at San Francisco Spread, Free Pick & TV Info

When: Sunday, Nov. 20, 4:25 PM ET
Where: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif.
TV: CBS
Radio: New England / San Francisco
Stream Option: NFL Live
Opening NFL Lines: Patriots -13 (51)

Why Bet on New England?

The Patriots were upset 31-24 in a thriller last Sunday night vs. Seattle. Tom Brady couldn’t connect with Rob Gronkowski on a fade pattern on fourth down as New England (7-2) failed four times from inside the 2 in the dying moments. It was reminiscent of how the Seahawks lost the 2015 Super Bowl when Malcolm Butler intercepted at the goal line to win the NFL title for the Patriots.

Brady was 23 of 32 for 316 yards but no TDs after throwing for 12 in his first four games since returning from suspension. New England’s Martellus Bennett had seven receptions for 102 yards to lead all receivers.

Gronkowski (chest) hasn’t practiced yet this week. Gronkowski is dealing with some sort of chest or lung issue. Very few details are known after he took a thunderous hit from Earl Thomas last Sunday night. Gronkowski seems likely to miss Week 11. He had to cancel a Tuesday appearance for EA Sports because he’s not allowed to fly. If Gronkowski doesn’t make the trip, it would leave Bennett and Matt Lengel as the two available tight ends on the roster. Bennett, who has 38 catches for 504 yards and four touchdowns this season, would rise into a top role.

This week’s game will be the Patriots’ first-ever game at Levi’s Stadium, which opened in 2014. It will be the Patriots first game at the 49ers since a 30-21 win at Candlestick Park on Oct. 5, 2008, New England’s only win at San Francisco. A victory over the 49ers will give the Patriots its eighth win of the year and guarantee a finish with a record of .500 or better for the 16 consecutive year. Each of the other 31 NFL teams has had at least one losing season since 2001.

Why Bet on San Francisco?

The 49ers lost 23-20 at Arizona last week. The 49ers lost their eighth in a row despite a strong game by Colin Kaepernick, who tied it at 20 with a 4-yard TD run with 1:55 to play. Kaepernick, returning to the scene of one of the worst games of his career a season ago, completed 17 of 30 passes for 210 yards and ran 10 times for 55 yards.

Kaepernick has thrown just two interceptions on 132 pass attempts this season. He’s also led the 49ers in rushing in three of his four starts. Kaepernick’s first season as a starter in 2012 saw the young passer edge a Brady-led Patriots squad on the road in December, 41-34. Kaepernick threw for four touchdowns in the primetime performance on “Sunday Night Football.”

Niners outside linebacker Aaron Lynch has returned to practice on a limited basis as he works his way back from a high ankle sprain. Meanwhile, wide receiver Torrey Smith has been battling a shoulder injury. He did not practice Wednesday but returned on a limited basis Thursday. Smith’s status for Sunday is uncertain.

Running back Carlos Hyde (shoulder) is practicing fully for Week 11. Hyde returned to action last week after missing the previous two games with a sprained AC joint. He had just 14 yards on 13 carries. Hyde and the rest of the 49ers running backs haven’t been able to get consistent yardage this season.

For the season, Niners running backs are averaging 75.1 yards per game and 3.48 yards per carry, good for 24th and 30th in the NFL amongst running back groups, respectively. The 49ers’ running backs rank 25th in the league in yards before contact per rush (1.96) and are averaging 1.52 yards after contact per attempt, which is 26th in the NFL.

New England at San Francisco Free Pick:

Patriots are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Over is 4-1 in 49ers last 5 games overall.

Take the points in NFL betting as this is a letdown game for the Pats. Go over the total.