The Patriots have the worst skill position talent in the league. At best they've been semi-respectable the past couple of years because of Bill Belichick and a solid defense.

That's no longer the case. Belichick is gone and New England's defense is racked by injuries with probably four of their five best defenders out.

New England also picked a bad time to play the 49ers. San Francisco just blew a two-touchdown lead against the Rams last Sunday. The 49ers are expected to get some of their injured players back and they won't be letting up after last week's meltdown.

The Patriots average 13 points. They lack the weapons to trade points with the 49ers, whose system is so strong that even reserves such as Jordan Mason and Jauan Jennings have produced big numbers.

By way of comparison, the 49ers cruised past the Jets, 32-19, opening week. The Jets, in turn, just crushed the Patriots, 24-3. The Patriots were outgained by 261 yards.