Why Patriots' odds for Sunday vs. 49ers are historic

The New England Patriots are traveling to California on Friday for a Sunday afternoon matchup with the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.

Both teams have started their 2024 campaigns with 1-2 records through the first three weeks, but while San Francisco has underperformed, they're clearly the more talented team.

As of Friday night, New England is a 10.5-point underdog for this Week 4 matchup, which is something that the franchise isn't used to over the last two decades.

According to The Boston Herald's Andrew Callahan, this is just the fifth time since the turn of the century that the Patriots have been more than 10-point underdogs. Interesting, it's happened twice since Tom Brady left New England and another time was his first game as the starter back in 2001.

Here's a list of the four times:

• at the Buffalo Bills (Week 16 2023)
• at the Kansas City Chiefs (Week 4 2020)
• at the Indianapolis Colts (Week 6 2001)
• vs. the Indianapolis Colts (Week 3 2001)

While the Patriots have struggled in their last two games, the 49ers haven't played their best either and are dealing with some injuries to a number of their starts heading into the weekend.

If New England's defense can play like they did in the first two weeks of this season, or how they did last season, they should have a chance to at least cover.

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