It couldn't be worse timing for Patriots to face the 49ers this season

When the Patriots 2024 opponents were released, it was clear it was going to be a tough season, even more so after all the changes they underwent with the staff and roster. Then, when the schedule was unveiled, the situation became even worse, as the first month of the season was one of the toughest stretches the team would endure all year.

It made analysts and fans predict a 0-4 record for September; fortunately, they have already won one game to ensure that doesn't happen. But since that Week 1 victory, the team has dramatically declined and looks every bit of the disastrous group they were predicted to be.

Maybe if they played a little better against the Jets in Week 3, that wouldn't be the case. But their overall performance in all three phases against their AFC East rival was not great and certainly doesn't set them up well to play the 49ers on the road next week.

They'll benefit from San Francisco's list of injuries, particularly on offense, which should give the Patriots' defense an easier day. But after what the reigning NFC West Champions dealt with against the Rams this past Sunday, having to face them in Week 4 couldn't be worse timing for the Patriots.

The 49ers frustrating Week 4 loss might be enough to use the Patriots matchup as a statement game

As if the Patriots didn't have enough on their plate having to face an NFC powerhouse team in all facets, they'll be heading to the Bay Area a week after the 49ers somehow managed to lose what looked like a winnable game to the Rams, going into their Week 4 matchup with a 1-2 record.

With the Super Bowl on their minds, starting the season with a losing record or having back-to-back losses to teams that should have been attainable victories is far from ideal.

That likely means their upcoming game against the Patriots will be used as the "get right" game and get back on track to their playoff vision.

It's the last thing New England needs in a matchup they weren't favored to win, anyway. The 49ers having more reason to play hard and prove they are a team not to mess with is a recipe for disaster for a team coming off an embarrassing loss to the Jets.

The best-case scenario would be if they can at least keep the game close enough that it isn't considered a blowout, although it's fair to believe they might actually have a chance to have the upset of the year based on how the 49ers have fared so far.

That would be the ultimate franchise restart for San Francisco and further the confusion regarding New England.

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