Beware Thy Neighbor! Week 14 NFC West Matchups + Previews

49ERS vs. PATRIOTS (SUN DEC 16, 8:20 PM ET)

Colin Kaepernick will make another start in this Sunday night game, which may be a Super Bowl preview. Kaepernick has played well since taking over for Alex Smith, but his only win over a team with a winning record was at home facing a reeling Bears team.

The Pats are coming off a more than impressive Monday night thrashing of the Houston Texans and their offense is on fire. The Pats have won 7 straight and are 5-1 at home and they have a tough task in this game, as the 49ers rank 2nd in the NFL in both pass and run defense.

The Patriots have struggled against the pass, but have defended the run well. That is key in this game, as San Fran RB Frank Gore will see a lot of action. He needs to run the ball well to keep Brady and the high-flying Patriots’ offense on the sidelines.

I like the 49ers and think they will go far in the playoffs, but they will not win facing a red-hot Patriots team on the road.