Offensive weapons Deebo Samuel and George Kittle are expected to return from injury ahead of schedule Sunday. This is a just a bonus in a get-right spot for the 49ers, who have suffered consecutive losses. The Patriots were competitive early but this team has such a limited offensive ceiling with Jacoby Brissett under center that it's difficult to envision them keeping pace with the 49ers for four quarters.

The Patriots made it a point to get Demario Douglas involved last week as he finally started to get some work to the tune of 7 receptions for 69 yards. They even gave him a carry in the backfield in an effort to showcase him. I don't necessarily expect that type of work this week for Douglas, but in a trailing game script he should be among the primary targets.

Double-digit spreads are rare this early in the season. It should never apply to an injury-wracked favorite that has fallen twice in a row, the latter against an opponent in worse health than itself. The 49ers have been shorn of main offensive threats Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel and George Kittle. QB Brock Purdy is effective with a full complement but cannot carry the load -- and he is dealing with a sore back. What's worse, San Fran's defense is permitting the third most yards per snap and second most conversions on third down. The Patriots are not nearly as awful as projected in the preseason, having won their opener and dropping their second outing in overtime. The line should be well into single figures.