Patriots at Seahawks -- Week 6
Where: CenturyLink Field, Seattle (outdoors, turf)
When: Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET (CBS)
Spread: Patriots by 3.5
Forecast: Rain likely, projected kickoff temperature is low-60s.
Records: Patriots (Overall: 3-2, AFC East: 1-0); Seahawks (Overall: 3-2, NFC West: 0-2).
Past results: Two most recent meetings -- Dec. 7, 2008: Patriots 24, Seahawks 21; Oct. 17, 2004: Patriots 30, Seahawks 20. Series record: Patriots hold an 8-7 edge.
What matters: This is a classic case of offense vs. defense. The Seahawks' young defense ranks first in the NFL in yards (258.6) and second in points (14) allowed per game. The Patriots average a league-best 439.4 yards and 33 points per game. Tom Brady is going to be put to the test if he wants to keep New England’s momentum going. Seattle is strong across the board on defense, as evidenced by its 16 sacks, and features two cornerbacks -- Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner -- who stand taller than 6-2. This one won’t be a “gimmie” for Pats RB Stevan Ridley, either. Seattle is third in the league (66.6 ypg) against the run. One of these crews is going to fail to live up to its billing.
Who matters: New England’s tight ends haven’t been right since Week 1. Aaron Hernandez suffered an ankle injury four weeks ago against the Arizona Cardinals and hasn’t seen game action since. He returned to practice last week and could return this week. His running mate, Rob Gronkowski, has been battling a hip injury the past two weeks. It wasn’t a problem against Buffalo (five catches, 104 yards), but he looked slow Sunday against the Broncos (four receptions, 35 yards). New England has enough weapons offensively to gloss over these issues, but the offense is nearly unstoppable when everyone is healthy.
Key matchups: This one is going to be decided on the offensive line. If the Patriots (12 sacks allowed) can contain Chris Clemons (5.5 sacks), Red Bryant, Alan Branch (one sack) and Brandon Mebane (two sacks), as well as pass rushers Jason Jones (1.5 sacks) and Bruce Irvin (4.5 sacks), Brady should have a good shot at keeping the Patriots above .500.
Injuries of note: WR Julian Edelman (hand) and Hernandez (ankle) could return this week. S Steve Gregory (hip) will almost certainly miss his second consecutive week, and it doesn’t look good for LB Tracy White, who has been held out of practice all week with a foot injury. LB Dont'a Hightower (hamstring) should be good to return after missing the Denver game.
Inside stuff: Most probably don’t worry about this stuff because the Patriots have only punted 19 times, but Zoltan Mesko’s struggles warrant mention. After averaging 46.5 yards per punt last year, tied for 10th in the NFL, Mesko is last in the league with a 39.3-yard average this season.
Connections: Seahawks coach Pete Carroll was the head coach of the Patriots from 1997-99. Deoin Branch played for Seahawks from 2006-10. Patriots LB Niko Koutouvides was drafted by Seattle in the fourth round of the 2004 draft and played in Seattle until 2007. White played 20 games with Seattle from 2003-04.
Stat you should know: The Patriots' offensive line has only drawn four penalties this season for a total of 20 yards. Gronkowski leads all New England players with four penalties for 30 yards.
Looking ahead: It’s a tough stretch coming up. The Patriots host the Jets next week, who almost always provide a tough game, and then travel to London to play the Rams. The Patriots have a bye in Week 9.
Prediction: Patriots 27, Seahawks 20
Nick Underhill covers the Patriots for MassLive.com. Follow him on Twitter @CBSPats or @Nick_Underhill.