49ers schedule release: 5 must-watch games in 2020

No. 4: Week 7 @ New England Patriots

In Week 7, the 49ers travel to Foxborough, Massachusetts to do battle with the New England Patriots. There will, however, be something different about the Patriots team this time around. A very noticeable player absent who has been synonymous with the team for the last two decades.

That player is, of course, quarterback Tom Brady, who left the team in the offseason to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. At this point, Jarrett Stidham will likely be the starting quarterback when that game is played.

However, Week 7 is a long time from now and things could change by then.

An additional depth piece to the storyline of this game is the return of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to play the team that drafted him back in 2014. It will be Garoppolo’s first time back in New England since he was traded to the 49ers in 2017.

Look for Garoppolo to trade pleasantries with Patriots head coach Bill Belichick before the game, but to play with a chip on his shoulder for all four quarters. This is one game Garoppolo will want to perform his best in as a way to tell his ex-team, “hey look at me now”.