New England Patriots 2020 NFL Schedule: 5 fascinating storyline matchups
By Max Bozicas
Week 7 vs. San Fransisco 49ers, October 25th
The New England Patriots will do battle with another elite NFC West team when they face the 49ers at home in week 7. This game will mark the first time that quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo faces the Patriots after they traded him to the 49ers during the 2017 season.
Garoppolo’s return to Foxborough will be the headline, but the biggest issue for the Patriots in this game is how they will handle the vaunted defensive line of the 49ers, which was the key to their Super Bowl appearance last season. They ranked top 10 or better in sacks, pressures, and hurries.
The 49ers did lose All-Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, as they traded him to the Indianapolis Colts. However, they immediately filled that void by drafting Javon Kinlaw in the first round of the NFL draft to line up with Nick Bosa, Dee Ford, and Arik Amstead.
The 49ers might have the best defense the Patriots will face in 2020, as they are well rounded from top to bottom. Points will likely be at a premium in this game.