Category Archives: Patriots

In the Red Zone: Oakland Raiders at New England Patriots Preview Week 3

This Week

The New England Patriots host the Oakland Raiders at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro MA on Sunday at 1 p.m. It is the Patriots home opener for 2014.

The Raiders		The Patriots
Overall Record	0-2	Overall Record	1-1
Road Record	0-1	Home Record	0-0
AFC East	0-1	AFC West	0-0
AFC Conf	0-2	AFC Conf	0-1

Pete Morelli is the referee for the game.

The Line/Prediction

As of Thursday, the line on the game from Sports Betting via Yahoo Sports has the Patriots at MINUS 14. The over/under is 46.5.

My Prediction is Patriots 30, Raiders, 21. Take the points (Raiders) and take the over. I am 1-1 against the spread and 1 of 2 on calling the over/under in 2014.

Tickets

The Patriots are reporting the game as a sell out. It is the 219th consecutive sell out dating back to the 1994 season opener. The record includes preseason, regular season and playoff games.

Tickets to the game, if available, can be purchased through Ticketmaster. You can check the availability here.

After market tickets are available through the Official Patriots Ticket Exchange where season ticket holders can sell their unused seats to fans on the season ticket waiting list.

Getting to the Game

If you’re lucky enough to be going to the game in Foxboro make sure you check out the links.

Here is the up to date weather forecast from the Weather Channel for Foxboro MA.

Click for all the game day information including Gillette Stadium directions, parking information, seating chart and map.

Tailgating

Here’s a bunch of different tailgating recipes from Tailgating.com. There’s something there for everyone and every type of meal or snack. I’ve tried some of the recipes and they’re very good.

And with tailgating many people enjoy some adult beverages. With that in mind check out Drink Nation for how to make all sorts of great drinks. You can look things up by name, ingredient(s) or theme.

Whether it’s at the game, a bar or a friend’s house moderation is always the key to a great time. Please don’t drink and drive and designate a sober driver. Remember drive sober or get pulled over.

BROADCAST INFORMATION

Television

CBS in televising the game regionally, Greg Gumbel will do play by play, former NFL QB Trent Green will provide the game analysis and Evan Washburn works the sidelines. You can look here for your local affiliate.

See if you’re getting the game courtesy of J.P. Kirby at the506.com.

The DirecTV designation is Channel 709.

Here are all the rules on NFL TV broadcasts including explaining the blackout rules; flex scheduling and commercial breaks.

Radio

The Patriots Radio Network broadcasts the game from flagship station WBZ-FM, 98.5 the Sports Hub in Boston. Bob Socci handles the play-by-play and former Patriots QB Scott Zolak will do game analysis. It all starts with Gary Tanguay and Andy Gresh with the pregame show at 10 a.m. on the network. The post game starts after the final gun and continues for three hours along the network.

The Patriots Radio Network call is available on Sirius Channel 113, XM Channel 230 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 818.

The Oakland Raiders Radio Network has Greg Papa calling the play by play, former Raiders head coach Tom Flores does the color and former Raiders player Lincoln Kennedy is the sideline reporter via their flagship station KGMZ-FM 97.5, The Game.

Their call is available on Sirius Channel 140 and on SiriusXM Internet Channel 822.

Patriots All Access

Patriots All-Access features behind the scenes looks, interviews and breakdowns with head coach Bill Belichick and in depth features on the team. It’s hosted by Steve Burton of WBZ-TV (Boston) and airs weekly in most New England television markets.

Boston MA on TV 38 Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
Providence RI on WNAC Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
Manchester NH on WMUR Saturday at midnight
Portland ME on WMTW Saturday at 5 a.m.
Hartford CT on WCTX Saturday at 5 p.m.
Springfield MA on WFXQ Saturday at 7 p.m.
Bangor ME on WVII Sunday at 11 a.m.

You can also watch it anytime on the teams website in the media section.

Last Week

The Patriots got their first win of the year demolishing the Vikings, 30-7 at Minnesota.

The Raiders dropped their home opener and 2nd game in a row to the Texans, 30-14.

History

This is the 34th meeting between the teams with the Patriots holding a 17-15-1 advantage including the playoffs.
The Patriots are 10-5-1 as the home team in the series.
The teams first met in 1960 (AFL) the Raiders won at home, 27-14.
This is just the fifth game between the two franchises since 1989.
Patriots have won last three meetings, including last two in Oakland.
Teams last played in 2011 with the Patriots winning on the road, 31-19.

Patriots Team Notes

Here is the Patriots roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Patriots Schedule/Results

The Patriots overall franchise record is 439-374-9. They have won three Super Bowls (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) in seven appearances. Overall they are 25-18 in the post season.

They last appeared in the playoffs in 2013 when they beat Indianapolis in the AFC Divisional Round 43-22 and lost at Denver 26-16 in the AFC Championship Game.

It was the 3rd consecutive AFC Championship game appearance for the franchise and 10th overall. They are 7-3 in those AFC title games.

The Patriots were 12-4 (1-1 in playoffs) in 2013 and are the defending five-time AFC East Champions. They have won the division 11 times and the conference 5 times since 2000.

New England is the only NFL team to finish .500 or better in each of the last 13 seasons (2001-2013).

They have 11 consecutive seasons with at least 10 wins.

They are the first team in the free agency era (1993) to win more than half their games in a 13-season span.

Since 2003 the Patriots have the NFL’s best record at 139-39.

Since Gillette Stadium opened in 2002, the Patriots have the best NFL regular season home record at 81-15 and are 92-18 including playoffs also a NFL best.

This kicks off their 13th season at Gillette Stadium and they are 11-1 in the previous home openers.

In franchise history the Patriots are 29-25 in home openers.

New England has won the last 9 home games against AFC West opponents, their last home loss vs. an AFC West team was in 2006 to Denver, 17-7.

Overall against the AFC West since the 2002 realignment New England is 18-11 including playoffs.

They are 11-3 vs. the AFC West at Gillette Stadium.

The Patriots and the Raiders have the most overall wins among the original eight AFL teams.

Overall Victory Total of All AFL Teams (including playoffs)

Team	Win	Loss	Tie
New England Patriots	462	392	9
Oakland Raiders	459	395	11
Denver Broncos	454	396	10
Kansas City Chiefs	423	410	12
San Diego Chargers	420	419	11
Tennessee Titans	414	435	6
Buffalo Bills	392	451	8
New York Jets	386	453	8

Under Bill Belichick the franchise is 38-1 when they have a 100-yard rusher. Last week Stevan Ridley had 101 rushing yards.

Last week the defense had 6 sacks and 4 INT’s for the 4th time in team history.

With last weeks win at Minnesota the Patriots are 35-4 since 2003 after a loss.

New England has 24 penalties this season in two weeks (31st in NFL) and has been penalized 263 yards.

New England is PLUS 5 in turnover differential tied for 2nd in the NFL. They have 5 INT and have recovered 2 fumbles while they have thrown 0 INT’s and lost 2 fumbles.

The Patriots are tied for 8th in points scored averaging 25.0 points per game and are 14th in fewest points allowed with 20.0 points per game.

This is the 21st season of Patriots ownership by the Kraft family. Since Robert Kraft bought the team in 1994 they:

Have the most Super Bowl wins, 3.
Have the most regular season wins, 218.
Have the most wins including playoffs, 239.
Have the most conference titles, 6.
Have the most division titles, 13.
Have the most playoff wins, 21
Have played the most playoff games, 33.
Are tied for the most playoff seasons, 15.
The fewest head coaches within the division, 3.
Have drafted the most Pro Bowl players, 20.

From 1960 to 1993 the New England/Boston Patriots won a total of 225 games.

Patriots Staff Notes

This is the link to head coach Bill Belichick’s Wednesday press conference on the Raiders.

Bill Belichick is 6-1 against the Raiders, 4-1 as the head coach in New England.

Overall in his NFL career Belichick is 200-106 in his 19th NFL season as a head coach. He is 164-62 with New England and 36-44 with Cleveland. He is 19-9 in the playoffs, 18-8 as head coach of the Patriots in the post season. When you combine his regular season and post season records he is 219-115.

Belichick’s 219 wins are good for 5th all-time. Hall of Fame member Curly Lambeau is 4th with 229 wins.

He has won 5 conference titles; he needs one more to tied Don Shula’s record of 6.

He is the first head coach to have had 4 teams that scored at least 500 points in a season.

Belichick is one of five head coaches in NFL history whose father (Steve Belichick) played in the league. The others are former Kansas City head coach Todd Haley (Dick Haley), former San Francisco head coach Mike Nolan (Dick Nolan), former Cincinnati head coach David Shula (Don Shula) and former NY Jets head coach Joe Walton (Frank Walton).

Belichick is one of just four coaches to win three Super Bowls, joining Chuck Noll (4), Joe Gibbs (3) and Bill Walsh (3). Those men are all in the Hall of Fame.

He is the only coach in NFL history to win three championship titles in four seasons.

No coach either as the head coach or an assistant has appeared in more Super Bowls than Belichick who has been to 8 (five as a head coach).

He is the only coach in NFL history to have led his team to 10+ wins in 11 consecutive seasons.

He has been NFL Coach of the Year three times he and Chuck Knox are the only three time winners, while Don Shula won four times.

Patriots Possible Starters

Offense:

LT: Solder
LG: Cannon
C: Stork
RG: Connolly
RT: Vollmer
TE: Gronkowski
WR: Edelman
WR: Amendola
QB: Brady
RB: Ridley
RB: Develin

Defense:

DE: Ninkovich
DT: Wilfork
DT: Vellano
DE: Cha. Jones
LB: White
LB: Mayo
LB: Hightower
LCB: Revis
RCB: Arrington
S: Chung
S: McCourty

Patriots Players Notes

Tom Brady Notes:

This is his 15th NFL season he is 3-1 vs. the Raiders in his career including playoffs. He is 83-13 at home in the regular season.

Brady’s first win over Oakland was the “Tuck Rule” game a 16-13 Patriots overtime win in the AFC Divisional Game. He was 32 of 52 for 312 yards and 1 INT in the snow.

Overall he is 149-44 as a starting QB and is 18-8 in the playoffs for an overall record of 167-52. He is a 9 time Pro Bowl QB; 3 time All-Pro selection; two time NFL MVP and has won 3 Super Bowls while twice being named the games MVP. He is also listed as the 21^st Greatest Player in the History of the NFL according to the NFL Network.

He now has 41 wins in his career (34 in the regular season and 7 in the playoffs) in which the team was trailing or tied in the fourth quarter. He had 5 comeback wins in 2013.

The 5 comeback wins in 2013 tie his career best set in 2003.

Has not thrown an INT in first two weeks of the season.

361 TD passes in his career makes him 5th in NFL history 4 TD passes behind John Elway.

149 career wins are 3rd all-time behind only Brett Favre and Peyton Manning.

He has thrown for 2 or more TD’s in 115 games; the team’s record is 98-17.

Needs 453 passing yards for 50,000 in his career. He is 6th all-time in passing yards.

Rob Gronkowski notes:

Has caught a pass in 52 consecutive games it’s the 4th longest streak all-time for a tight end. Heath Miller is 3rd with a catch in 82 consecutive games.

Needs 4 points to move into Top 10 in franchise history.

Is 7th in team history with 44 touchdowns.

He is 4th in team history with 43 TD catches.

Julian Edelman notes:

Has a streak of 8 consecutive games with at least 6 catches.

Had a 34-yard punt return at Minnesota Week 2 it was the 11th punt return of 30 yards or more in his career. That ranks third in team history.

Opened the season with a 95 receiving yards at Miami and added 81 yards receiving at Minnesota Week 2.

Had 156 total yards Week 2 at Minnesota (81 receiving, 9 rushing and 66 on punt returns).

Had his first 100-catch, 1000-yard season in his career in 2013 and just the third Patriot behind Troy Brown and Wes Welker.

Set career high with 13 catches and 139-yards at Miami Week 15 (2013).

Stevan Ridley notes:

Had his first 100- yard rushing game of the season Week 2 at Minnesota when he ran for 101 yards on 25 carries and had 1 TD.

Shane Vereen notes:

Set franchise record with receptions (12) and receiving yards (153) by a running back in a single-game Week 14 (2013) vs. Cleveland.

Became just fourth NFL running back to post 150 receiving yards in a single-game in the last 10 seasons.

Stephen Gostkowski notes:

Has not missed an extra point since Week 17 2006 at Tennessee in his rookie season. He has made 366 consecutive extra points. He is 404 for 405 in his career for 99.8%.

The 366 XPA converted in a row is fourth longest streak in NFL history.

Lead NFL in scoring in both 2012 and 2013.

Has scored at least 1 point in 109 consecutive games a franchise record.

He is 3rd in team history in points with 1,043 trailing only Gino Cappelletti (1,130) and Adam Vinatieri (1,158).

Has team record of 12 career field goals of 50+ yards.

Vince Wilfork notes:

Played only 4 games in 2013 after suffering a torn Achilles.

Prior to 2013 had played in all 16 games in 5 of the previous 6 seasons.

First defensive player to have played 10 seasons under Belichick.

Has been a team captain since 2008.

Has 7 fumbles recoveries since 2010 the second most in the NFL in that span behind teammate Rob Ninkovich.

Darrelle Revis notes:

Has 22 career INT’s and is one of the top shutdown corners in the NFL.

Since 2007 has the most passes defensed in the NFL with 110 including a record 31 in 2009.

In Patriots debut Week 1 at Miami had 1 tackles, 2 passes defensed and recovered a fumble.

Had his first Patriots INT Week 2 at Minnesota against Matt Cassel. Also had 3 tackles and 1 pass defensed.

Jerod Mayo notes:

Had streak of five consecutive 100+ tackle seasons snapped last year due to injury. He has led the team in tackles in those five seasons (2008-2012).

Shares franchise record for leading team in tackles for 5 seasons with Steve Nelson and Vincent Brown.

Week 1 at Miami he had 12 tackles and the teams only sack.

Rob Ninkovich notes:

In 6 seasons with New England has only missed one game.

Week 2 at Minnesota had 3 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 2 QB hits.

Dont’a Hightower notes:

Along with Chandler Jones he led team with 8 tackles and 2 sacks Week 2 at Minnesota. He also had 2 tackles for loss, 2 QB hits and 1 pass defensed.

Had his first career 2-sack game Week 2 at Minnesota.

Chandler Jones notes:

Scored his 2nd NFL TD Week 2 at Minnesota when he blocked a field goal attempt and returned it 58-yards. His first NFL TD was Week 16, 2013 at Baltimore on a fumble recovery. It was his second blocked field goal attempt (2013 Week 8 vs. Miami).

Had the 5th blocked field goal returned for a TD in Patriots history Week 2 at Minnesota, first since 2010 when Patrick Chung returned one at Miami.

Now has 5 career 2-sack games with a pair at Minnesota in Week 2.

Along with Dont’a Hightower he led team with 8 tackles and 2 sacks Week 2 at Minnesota. He also had 3 tackles for loss, 3 QB hits, the blocked field goal attempt and return for TD.

Kyle Arrington notes:

Week 2 at Minnesota had 3 tackles, 1 sack and 1 forced fumble.

Dominique Easley notes:

The 2014 1st Round pick (Florida) had his first NFL INT Week 2 at Minnesota. It was his first INT since high school.

There are only two players on the team who played on at least one of the Super Bowl championship teams, Brady (3) and Wilfork (1).

Roster moves this week:

Signed LB Deontae Skinner from practice squad.
Released LB Darius Flemming
Had DL Kelcey Quarles signed off practice squad by Indianapolis.
Released RB Marcus Thigpen from practice squad.
Released DL Cameron Henderson from practice squad.
Re-signed LB Darius Flemming to the practice squad.
Signed OL Caylin Hauptmann to the practice quad.
Signed DL Kona Schwenke to the practice squad.

Patriots team captains for 2014:

QB Tom Brady
G/C Dan Connolly
WR Matthew Slater (special teams)
DT Vince Wilfork
LB Jerod Mayo

Former Raiders on the Patriots:

none

Players with New England roots:

none

Players with California roots:

CB Brandon Browner (Suspended) – Sylmar CA
S Patrick Chung – Rancho Cucamonga CA
WR Matthew Slater – Anaheim CA
QB Tom Brady – San Mateo CA
C Ryan Wendell – Pomona CA
WR Julian Edelman – Redwood City CA
RB Shane Vereen – Valencia CA
RB Tyler Gaffney (IR) – San Diego CA

Players from New England based colleges and universities:

RB James Develin – Brown

Players from California based colleges and universities:

RB Tyler Gaffney (IR) – Stanford
RB Shane Vereen – California
WR Matthew Slater – UCLA
C Ryan Wendell – Fresno State
T Cameron Flemming – Stanford

The Patriots have 6 retired numbers:

20 – Gino Cappelletti
40 – Mike Haynes
73 – John Hannah
78 – Bruce Armstrong
79 – Jim Lee Hunt
89 – Bob Dee

Raiders Team Notes

Here is the Raiders roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Raiders Schedule/Results

Oakland’s all-time record is 434-377-11. They have won three Super Bowls (XI, XV and XVIII) in five appearances. Overall they are 25-18 in the post season with their last post season appearance coming in 2002.

That year they beat the New York Jets 30-10 at home in the AFC Division Game, beat the Tennessee Titans 41-24 in the AFC Championship and lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl XXXVII, 41-24.

Oakland also has one AFL Championship in 1967.

The Raiders franchise has had 20 National Football Hall of Fame members wear their uniform including owner Al Davis and head coach John Madden.

First NFL team to play in a Super Bowl in four different decades.

Only one of two NFL teams to play for a conference championship in the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s. Minnesota is the other.

They were one of the very first professional sports team with an online presence launching raiders.com in 1995.

The Raiders along with the Patriots are the only two former AFL teams with 3 Super Bowl victories.

Oakland is only one of five AFC teams to win more than one Super Bowl since 1980. The others are Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Denver and New England.

The Raiders are on an 11-game road trip they play Sunday in Foxboro and Week 4 they are in London to face to face the Dolphins. They leave for England after Sunday’s game.

This is Oakland’s first trip to Gillette Stadium since 2005 and only second time in Foxboro since 2002.

Raiders are 5-10-1 on the road against the Patriots their last win in Foxboro was Oct 9, 1994 they beat the Patriots 21-17 as the Los Angeles Raiders at Foxboro Stadium.

The Raiders are yet to attempt a field goal in 2014. It is the longest the franchise has gone without a FGA to open a season in team history.

The Raiders are tied for 28th in the NFL in points per game with 14.0. While they allow 24.5 points per game tied for 21st in the NFL.

Oakland is MINUS 2 in turnover differential, tied for 20th in the NFL. The offense has given up 2 INT’s and 4 fumbles, while the defense has 1 INT and 3 fumble recoveries.

Raiders Staff Notes

Read what Oakland Raiders head coach Dennis Allen had to say to the New England media about the match up.

Oakland’s Dennis Allen is in his 3rd season as a NFL head coach and he is 8-26.

He has never faced New England.

Before taking over the Raiders in 2012 Allen was the Defensive Coordinator for the Denver Broncos in 2011. He also spent 5 seasons with the New Orleans Saints as the Asst. Defensive Line coach (2006-07) and Secondary Coach (2008-10).

He is the 19th head coach in Raiders history. And since the glory days of John Madden (1969-78) and Tom Flores (1979-87) he is the 12th man to occupy the top spot for the Silver and Black.

Greg Olson is in his 2nd season as the offensive coordinator. He previously held the same position for Tampa Bay (2009-11), St. Louis (2006-07) and Detroit (2005).

Jason Tarver is in his 3rd season as the defensive coordinator. He previous was the defensive coordinator at Stanford (2011) and spent 10 seasons in San Francisco (2001-10) mostly coaching the 49ers linebackers.

Assistant head coach/offensive line coach Tony Sparano is a native of

West Haven CT and he played center at Richard C. Lee HS in New Haven CT attended the University of New Haven. Sparano had a stint at his alma mater (1984-

87) as the school’s offensive line coach. He also coached at offensive line at Boston University (1988-93); and was the offensive coordinator from 1990-93. Sparano returned to New Haven to serve as the team’s head coach from 1994-98.

Raiders Possible Starters

Offense:

LT: Penn
LG: Jackson
C: Wisniewski
RG: Howard
RT: Barnes
TE: Ausberry
WR: J. Jones
WR: Holmes
QB: Carr
RB: Jones-Drew
RB: Reece

Defense:

DE: Woodley
DT: Smith
DT: Sims
DE: Tuck
LB: S. Moore
LB: Maiava
LB: Mack
LCB: Carrie
RCB: Brown
S: Woodson
S: Branch

Raiders Players Notes

Derek Carr notes:

Was Oakland’s 2nd round pick out of Fresno State in the 2014 NFL Draft. In his first season in the NFL he is 0-2.

He has never faced New England.

His brother David Carr, was the Overall 1st pick by Houston in the 2002 NFL Draft.

Has more passing yards (414:398), TD passes (3:2) and a better completion percentage (63.5:56.4) than Tom Brady after two weeks.

Is tied for 3rd place with Todd Marinovich and David Humm among for most TD passes by a Raiders rookie quarterback with three.

Maurice Jones-Drew notes:

This is his first season in Oakland after spending his entire career in Jacksonville.

Is the 4th leading active rusher in the NFL with 8,082 rushing yards and 2nd among active running backs with 68 rushing TD’s.

Has 81 career TD’s 4th among active players.

Three time Pro Bowl selection with Jaguars.

Is the host of SiriusXM fantasy football show “Running with MJD”.

Has 27 games with 100 pr more rushing yards.

Darren McFadden notes:

Is 8th in Raiders franchise history in rush attempts with 899.

Is 7th in Oakland history in rushing yards and 11th in all-purpose yards.

Has 13 games with 100 or more rushing yards.

Charles Woodson notes:

Has 57 career INT’s, 12th all-time in NFL history.

Has 13 career defensive INT’s tied for first all-time in NFL history with Rod Woodson and Darren Sharper.

Second all-time in INT return TD’s with 11, one behind Rod Woodson.

Owns his own wine label called “TwentyFour by Charles Woodson”.

One of only two NFL players to win the Heisman Trophy, AP Rookie of the Year, AP Player of the Year and a Super Bowl in their career. The other is Marcus Allen.

Justin Tuck notes:

This is his first season in Oakland after playing 7 seasons with the New York Giants.

Since 2007 is 11th in the NFL in sacks with 60.5.

Had 11 sacks in 2013 with the Giants.

Played on two Super Bowl championship teams with the Giants.

Lamar Woodley notes:

This is his first season in Oakland after spending 7 seasons in Pittsburgh.

Since 2007 is tied for 12th in the NFL in sacks with 57.5

Won a Super Bowl with the Steelers.

Tyvon Branch notes:

Played at UConn was drafted by Oakland in the 4th round in 2008.

Co-leads team in tackles with 24 and sacks with 1.

Has 8 sacks, 4 INT’s, 2 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recovery and 1 fumble recovery returned for a TD in his career.

Played just two games in 2013 due to injury after posting a career high 146 tackles in 2012.

Sio Moore notes:

Played at UConn was drafted by Oakland in the 3rd round in 2013.

Co-leads team in tackles with 24 and sacks with 1.

In just 2 NFL seasons has 5.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles.

Was named to the Pro Football Writers Association 2013 All-Rookie Team.

Oakland appoints captains on a weekly basis.

Former Patriots playing for the Raiders:

CB Ras-I Dowling (Practice Squad)

Players from New England colleges or universities:

CB Tyvon Branch – UConn
LB Sio Moore – UConn
TE Scott Simonson (Practice Squad) – Assumption

Players with New England ties:

LB Sio Moore – New Haven CT
RB Kory Sheets (IR) – Manchester CT

The Raiders do not retire uniform numbers.

Next Week

Up next: Kansas City Chiefs – AFC West

Location: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City MO

Date/Time: Monday, September 29, 2014

TV Network: ESPN

In The Red Zone: New England Patriots at Minnesota Vikings Preview Week 2

This Week

The New England Patriots visit the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium on Sunday at 1 p.m.

The Patriots		The Vikings
Overall Record	0-1	Overall Record	1-0
Road Record	0-1	Home Record	0-0
NFC North	0-0	AFC East	0-0
NFC Conf	0-0	AFC Conf	0-0

Tony Corrente is the referee for the game

The Line/Prediction

As of Thursday the line on the game from Sports Betting via Yahoo Sports has the Patriots at MINUS 3. The over/under is 49.

My Prediction is Vikings 30, Patriots, 24. Take the points (Vikings) and take the over. I am 1-0 against the spread and 1 of 1 on calling the over/under in 2014.

Tickets

Tickets to the game, if available, can be purchased through Ticketmaster. You can check the availability here.

Getting to the Game

If you’re lucky enough to be going to the game in Minneapolis make sure you check out the links.

Here is the up to date weather forecast from the Weather Channel for Minneapolis MN.

Click for all the game day information including stadium directions, parking information and map and a TCF Bank Stadium seating chart.

Tailgating

Here’s a bunch of different tailgating recipes from Tailgating.com. There’s something there for everyone and every type of meal or snack. I’ve tried some of the recipes and they’re very good.

And with tailgating many people enjoy some adult beverages. With that in mind check out Drink Nation for how to make all sorts of great drinks. You can look things up by name, ingredient(s) or theme.

BROADCAST INFORMATION

Television

CBS in televising the game regionally and Ian Eagle will do play by play while Hall of Fame QB Dan Fouts will provide the game analysis and Jenny Dell will work the sidelines. You can look here for your local affiliate.

See if you’re getting the game courtesy of J.P. Kirby at the506.com.

The DirecTV designation is Channel 706.

Here are all the rules on NFL TV broadcasts including explaining the blackout rules; flex scheduling and commercial breaks.

Radio

The Patriots Radio Network call is available on Sirius Channel 132 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 818.

The Vikings Radio Network has Paul Allen calling play by play and former Vikings linebacker, former coach Pete Bercich doing the color and former Vikings punter Greg Coleman works the sidelines via their flagship stations KFAN-FM 100.3 and KTLK-AM 1130.

Their call is available on Sirius Channel 85, XM Channel 85 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 817.

National Sports Radio USA is also broadcasting the game to their national affiliates with Larry Kahn on play by play, John Robinson doing analysis and Troy West covering the sidelines.

Patriots All Access

Boston MA on TV 38 Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
Providence RI on WNAC Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
Manchester NH on WMUR Saturday at midnight
Portland ME on WMTW Saturday at 5 a.m.
Hartford CT on WCTX Saturday at 5 p.m.
Springfield MA on WFXQ Saturday at 7 p.m.
Bangor ME on WVII Sunday at 11 a.m.

You can also watch it anytime on the teams website in the media section.

Last Week

The Patriots opened in Miami and lost a Week 1 for first time since 2003, 33-20.
The Vikings also started on the road at St. Louis and beat the Rams, 34-6.

History

This is the 12th meeting between the Patriots and the Vikings all since 1970.
The Patriots lead the series 7-4; New England has won the last three meetings.
This is the 5th time they’ve played in Minnesota. Three times in the Metrodome, once at Metropolitan Stadium and now at TCF Bank Stadium on the campus of the University of Minnesota.
2 of the series games have gone to OT with New England winning both times.
The Patriots are 2-2 as the road team in the series.
The Patriots won the last meeting between the teams in 2010 at Gillette Stadium 28-18.

Patriots Team Notes

Here is the Patriots roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Patriots Schedule/Results

The Patriots overall franchise record is 438-374-9. They have won three Super Bowls (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) in seven appearances. Overall they are 25-18 in the post season.

They last appeared in the playoffs in 2013 when they beat Indianapolis in the AFC Divisional Round 43-22 and lost at Denver 26-16 in the AFC Championship Game.

It was the 3rd consecutive AFC Championship game appearance for the franchise and 10th overall. They are 7-3 in those AFC title games.

The Patriots were 12-4 (1-1 in playoffs) in 2013 and are the defending five-time AFC East Champions. They have won the division 11 times and the conference 5 times since 2000.

New England is the only NFL team to finish .500 or better in each of the last 13 seasons (2001-2013).

They have 11 consecutive seasons with at least 10 wins.

They are the first team in the free agency era (1993) to win more than half their games in a 13-season span.

Since 2003 the Patriots have the NFL’s best record at 138-39.

Since 2000 New England is a NFL best 73-40 in road games.

They are 0-1 for the first time since 2003 when they lost at Buffalo 31-0.

New England is 11-1 vs. the NFC North since 2002 in the regular season.

Patriots have an 11-game win streak vs. the NFC North.

It is the longest streak any team has vs. any division.

Patriots have never played at TCF Bank Stadium on the campus of the University of Minnesota. The last time the team played on a college campus was in 2002 when they beat the Chicago Bears at the University of Illinois in Champaign, IL.

New England and Minnesota played at the University of Minnesota before. On August 8, 1971 they had a preseason game at Memorial Stadium to benefit the U of M scholarship fund.

This is the 27th time under Bill Belichick the Patriots have played consecutive road games in those 55 games they are 36-19. They have won back-to-back road 10 times and lost back-to-back road games just twice.

New England is PLUS 1 in turnover differential tied for 11th in the NFL. They have 1 INT and have recovered 2 fumbles while they have thrown 0 INT’s and lost 2 fumbles.

The Patriots are tied for 16th in points scored averaging 20.0 points per game and are 26th in fewest points allowed with 33.0 points per game.

This is the 21st season of Patriots ownership by the Kraft family. Since Robert Kraft bought the team in 1994 they:

Have the most Super Bowl wins, 3.
Have the most regular season wins, 217.
Have the most wins including playoffs, 238.
Have the most conference titles, 6.
Have the most division titles, 13.
Have the most playoff wins, 21
Have played the most playoff games, 33.
Are tied for the most playoff seasons, 15.
The fewest head coaches within the division, 3.
Have drafted the most Pro Bowl players, 20.

From 1960 to 1993 the New England/Boston Patriots won a total of 225 games.

Patriots Staff Notes

This is the link to head coach Bill Belichick’s Wednesday press conference on the Vikings.

Bill Belichick is 3-3 against the Vikings, 3-1 as the head coach in New England.

Overall in his NFL career Belichick is 198-106 in his 19th NFL season as a head coach. He is 163-62 with New England and 36-44 with Cleveland. He is 19-9 in the playoffs, 18-8 as head coach of the Patriots in the post season. When you combine his regular season and post season records he is 218-115.

Belichick’s 218 wins are good for 5th all-time.

He has won 5 conference titles; he needs one more to tied Don Shula’s record of 6.

He is the first head coach to have had 4 teams that scored at least 500 points in a season.

Belichick is one of just four coaches to win three Super Bowls, joining Chuck Noll (4), Joe Gibbs (3) and Bill Walsh (3). Those men are all in the Hall of Fame.

He is the only coach in NFL history to win three championship titles in four seasons.

No coach either as the head coach or an assistant has appeared in more Super Bowls than Belichick who has been to 8 (five as a head coach).

He is the only coach in NFL history to have led his team to 10+ wins in 11 consecutive seasons.

He has been NFL Coach of the Year three times he and Chuck Knox are the only three time winners, while Don Shula won four times.

Only one of three coaches in NFL history with 100 more wins than loses joining Don Shula and George Halas.

Defensive assistant Brendan Daly had two stints with the Vikings, serving as the defensive assistant/defensive line coach from 2006-2008 and most recently as the defensive line coach during the 2012-2013 seasons.

WR coach Chad O’Shea served as the offensive assistant/wide receivers coach with the Vikings from 2006-2008.

Patriots Possible Starters

Offense:

LT: Solder
LG: Cannon
C: Stork
RG: Connolly
RT: Vollmer
TE: Gronkowski
WR: Amendola
WR: Edelman
WR: Thompkins
QB: Brady
RB: Ridley

Defense:

DE: Ninkovich
DT: Wilfork
DT: Vellano
DE: Cha. Jones
LB: Collins
LB: Mayo
LB: Hightower
LCB: Revis
RCB: Dennard
S: Chung
S: McCourty

Patriots Players Notes

Tom Brady Notes:

This is his 15th NFL season he is 2-0 vs. the Vikings in his career. He is 64-31 on the road in the regular season.

This will be the first time Brady has started against the Vikings in Minnesota. The last time the teams played in Minnesota (2008) he was out with a torn ACL.

Overall he is 148-44 as a starting QB and is 18-8 in the playoffs for an overall record of 166-52. He is an 8 time Pro Bowl QB; 3 time All-Pro selection; two time NFL MVP and has won 3 Super Bowls while twice being named the games MVP. He is also listed as the 21^st Greatest Player in the History of the NFL according to the NFL Network.

He now has 41 wins in his career (34 in the regular season and 7 in the playoffs) in which the team was trailing or tied in the fourth quarter. He had 5 comeback wins in 2013.

The 5 comeback wins in 2013 tie his career best set in 2003.

He did not have a multiple INT game in 2013.

360 TD passes in his career makes him 5th in NFL history 4 TD passes behind New Orleans QB Drew Brees.

148 career wins tie him with John Elway for 3rd all-time.

He surpassed 4,000 passing yards in 2013 Week 15 at Miami it was his 6th time having 4,000 passing yards in a season.

He has thrown for 2 or more TD’s in 115 games; the team’s record is 98-17.

Is only 5th NFL QB to have achieved 140 regular season wins joining Peyton Manning, John Elway, Dan Marino and Brett Favre.

He is tied with Drew Brees for most 4 TD 0 INT games in his career with 15.

Needs 602 passing yards for 50,000 in his career. He is 6th all-time in passing yards.

Rob Gronkowski notes:

Has caught a pass in 51 consecutive games it’s the 4th longest streak all-time for a tight end. Heath Miller is 3rd with a catch in 82 consecutive games.

Needs 4 points to move into Top 10 in franchise history.

Is 7th in team history with 44 touchdowns.

He is 4th in team history with 43 TD catches.

Danny Amendola notes:

Finished season with 54 catches for 633 yards and 2 TD’s.

Set career high for yards per catch (11.7) and longest catch (57-yards).

Ha6 3 100-yard games as a Patriot in 2013 at Miami Week 15, vs. Pittsburgh in Week 9 and in Week 1 at Buffalo.

Has missed 4 games in 2013 due to injuries (groin, 3 and concussion, 1).

Julian Edelman notes:

Had a 43-yard punt return vs. Pittsburgh Week 9 it was the 10th punt return of 30 yards or more in his career. That ranks third in team history.

Had his first 100-catch, 1000-yard season in his career and just the third Patriot behind Troy Brown and Wes Welker.

His previous career high was 37 receptions for 357 yards in 2009.

Had 4 of his 5 career 100-yard games in 2013, at Miami Week 15, at Houston Week 13, Week 12 vs. Denver and Week 4 at Atlanta.

Set career high with 13 catches and 139-yards at Miami Week 15.

Lead the team with 105 catches for 1,056 yards. He also had 6 TD catches. He had just 21 catches in 2012.

He was 5th in NFL in catches for 2013.

Had 9 games with 7 or more catches in 2013.

Stevan Ridley notes:

Had his 4th 2-TD game of his career against Pittsburgh in Week 9.

Second season in a row with 4 fumbles

Lead the team with 773 rushing yards in 14 games

Lead team in TD’s with 7 with LeGarrette Blount.

Has 14 runs of 20 or more yards in his career most for franchise since 2000.

Shane Vereen notes:

Set franchise record with receptions (12) and receiving yards (153) by a running back in a single-game Week 14 vs. Cleveland.

Became just fourth NFL running back to post 150 receiving yards in a single-game in the last 10 seasons.

Finished with 47 catches for 417 yards and 3 TD’s and 205 yards rushing with 1 TD.

Stephen Gostkowski notes:

Has not missed an extra point since Week 17 2006 at Tennessee in his rookie season. He has made 361 consecutive extra points. He is 400 for 401 in his career for 99.8%.

The 361 XPA converted in a row is fourth longest streak in NFL history.

Lead NFL in scoring in both 2012 and 2013.

He is the most accurate kicker by percentage in team history at 86.4% (210 0f 243).

Has scored at least 1 point in 108 consecutive games a franchise record.

He is 3rd in team history in points with 1,031 trailing only Gino Cappelletti (1,130) and Adam Vinatieri (1,158).

Has team record of 12 career field goals of 50+ yards.

Vince Wilfork notes:

Played only 4 games in 2013 after suffering a torn Achilles.

Prior to 2013 had played in all 16 games in 5 of the previous 6 seasons.

Has been a team captain since 2008.

Has been named to 5 Pro Bowls and selected as an All-Pro 3 times in his career.

2010 Ron Burton Community Service Award winner

He is the fourth Patriots lineman to have two career INT’s.

Has 7 fumbles recoveries since 2010 the second most in the NFL in that span behind teammate Rob Ninkovich.

Darrelle Revis notes:

Played six seasons with the Jets and one with the Buccaneers before signing with the Patriots.

Was a first round pick in the 2007 NFL Draft (14th overall).

Has 21 career INT’s and is one of the top shutdown corners in the NFL.

10 of his 21 INT’s have come in the 4th quarter, 5 in the last two minutes of games within 7 points.

2009 AFC Defensive Player of the Year

Named to 5 Pro Bowls and selected an All Pro 3 times in his career.

Since 2007 has the most passes defensed in the NFL with 109 including a record 31 in 2009.

In Patriots debut had 1 tackles, 2 passes defensed and recovered a fumble.

Jerod Mayo notes:

Had streak of five consecutive 100+ tackle seasons snapped last year due to injury. He has led the team in tackles in those five seasons (2008-2012).

Shares franchise record for leading team in tackles for 5 seasons with Steve Nelson and Vincent Brown.

Has two seasons with 180+ tackles

Had the 5th highest tackle total (184) in team history in 2012 and the 3rd highest (193) in 2010.

Has two seasons with 10 games with at least 10 tackles.

Had 12 tackles in week 1 at Miami.

Had teams only sack Week 1 at Miami.

Rob Ninkovich notes:

In 5 seasons with New England has only missed one game.

Forced 2 fumbles in 2013 and tied for team lead with DB Kyle Arrington and S Devin McCourty.

Has 12 fumble recoveries since 2010 the most in the NFL in that span.

Led the team with 2 fumble recoveries.

Tied for 2nd on team in sacks with 8 and QB hits with 18.

Had back to back 8 sack seasons, a career high.

Chris Jones notes:

Rookie had his first NFL sack Week 5 at Cincinnati.

Made first NFL start Week 6 vs. New Orleans and had 3 tackles.

Had 56 tackles, 6 sacks and 8 QB hits as a rookie.

Was second in NFL for sacks by a rookie.

Had three games with multiple sacks in 2013.

Chandler Jones notes:

Scored his first NFL TD Week 16 at Baltimore on a fumble recovery.

Led the team in sacks with 11.5 and QB hits with 21.

Was 7th in sacks in NFL and had 4th highest total in franchise history.

First player since Chris Slade to start career with two 5+ sack seasons.

Blocked his first NFL field goal attempt Week 8 vs. Miami.

There are only two players on the team who played on at least one of the Super Bowl championship teams, Brady (3) and Wilfork (1).

Roster moves this week:

Released TE Allen Reisner from practice squad
Re-signed DL Kelcey Quarles to practice squad
Signed DE Cam Henderson to practice squad
Released QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson from practice squad

Patriots team captains for 2014:

QB Tom Brady
G/C Dan Connolly
WR Matthew Slater (special teams)
DT Vince Wilfork
LB Jerod Mayo

Former Vikings on the Patriots:

none

Players with New England roots:

none

Players with Minnesota roots:

none

Players from New England based colleges and universities:

RB James Develin – Brown

Players from Minnesota based colleges and universities:

DL Zach Moore – Concordia University

The Patriots have 6 retired numbers:

20 – Gino Cappelletti
40 – Mike Haynes
73 – John Hannah
78 – Bruce Armstrong
79 – Jim Lee Hunt
89 – Bob Dee

Vikings Team Notes

Here is the Vikings roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Vikings Schedule/Results

Minnesota’s all-time record is 432-365-10 they are 19-27 in the post season with their last post season appearance coming in 2012 when they lost at Green Bay 24-10 in the NFC Wildcard Game.

The Vikings have played in four Super Bowls losing to the Kansas City Chiefs 23-7 (Super Bowl IV), to the Miami Dolphins 24-7 (Super Bowl VIII), the Pittsburgh Steelers 16-6 (Super Bowl IX) and to the Oakland Raiders 32-14 (Super Bowl XI).

They last played in a Conference Championship Game in 2009 losing at New Orleans, 31-28 in overtime.

Vikings have 25 playoff seasons since the 1970 merger second most in league history behind Pittsburgh and Dallas who each have 26.

The Norsemen have 7 undefeated home seasons.

This is just the second regular season game played by Minnesota at TCF Bank Stadium their temporary home in 2014 and 2015 while their new stadium is being built on site of the old Metrodome.

They are 0-1 at TCF losing to Chicago 40-14 on December 20, 2010 after the Metrodome bubble collapsed.

The Norsemen were 97-59-4 at Metropolitan Stadium (1961-81), 168-92 at the Metrodome (1982-2013) and 0-1 at Ford Field in Detroit (2010) where they hosted the New York Giants the day after the bubble collapse because the Giants didn’t have any cold weather gear available.

All time vs. the AFC East the Vikings are 18-26.

Minnesota is seeking its first outdoor home win since November 1981.

Vikings have lost last three games to the Patriots.

Minnesota’s 28-point margin of victory in week 1 at St. Louis is the franchises largest since 1994 and 8th largest in team history.

The Vikings 28-point margin of victory is the 2nd most in team history in season opening road games (40-9 at New Orleans, 9/12/76). The 6 points allowed is the 2nd fewest ever in an opening game (24-3 at Atlanta, 9/9/07).

Minnesota is PLUS 2 in turnover differential tied for 4th in the NFL. They have 2 INT’s and have recovered 0 fumbles while they have thrown 0 INT’s and lost 0 fumbles.

The Vikings are tied for 4th in points scored averaging 34.0 points per game and are tied for 1st in fewest points allowed with 6.0 points per game.

Vikings Staff Notes

Read what Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer had to say to the New England media about the match up.

Zimmer is in his 1st season as a NFL head coach, he is 1-0 since taking over. This is his home debut as a head coach. He is the 9th head coach in Vikings history.

He was previously the defensive coordinator for Cincinnati (2008-13), Atlanta (2007)and Dallas (2000-06). He has never been a head coach in college or the NFL.

George Edwards is the defensive coordinator for Minnesota. In the past was a defensive coordinator for Washington (2003) and Buffalo (2010-11). He was Miami’s linebackers coach the last two seasons.

Norv Turner is the Vikings offensive coordinator after spending last season as the OC in Cleveland. He has also been the OC at Dallas (1991-93), San Diego (2001), Miami (2002-03) and San Francisco (2006). He has also been the head coach at Washington (1994-2000), Oakland (2204-05) and San Diego (2007-12).

RB coach Kirby Wilson held the same position with the Patriots from 1997-99.

OL coach Jeff Davidson worked as the New England offensive line coach from 1997-2004.

DL coach Andre Patterson served as the Patriots defensive assistant during the 1997 season.

Vikings Possible Starters

Offense:

LT: Kalil
LG: Johnson
C: Sullivan
RG: Fusco
RT: Loadholt
TE: Rudolph
WR: Jennings
WR: Patterson
QB: Cassel
RB: Asiata
RB: Felton

Defense:

DE: Robison
DT: Johnson
DT: Joseph
DE: Griffen
LB: Greenway
LB: Brinkley
LB: Barr
LCB: Munnerlyn
RCB: Price
S: Blanton
S: Smith

Vikings Players Notes

Matt Cassel notes:

He is 32-36 in his career in the regular season and 0-1 in the playoffs for an overall record of 32-37 in 9 NFL seasons with New England, Kansas City and Minnesota.

Cassel was a 7th round draft pick in the 2005 NFL Draft out of USC 230th overall by the Patriots.

Spent four seasons in Foxboro as Brady’s backup and played in all 16 games in 2008 when Brady tore his ACL. In his 15 starts he was 10-5 but the team missed the playoffs.

He spent the next four seasons in Kansas City and posted a 19-28 record and 0-1 in the playoffs.

In 2013 he was 3-3 with Minnesota.

He has 11 comeback wins in his career, 2 as a Patriot, 2 as a Viking and 7 as a Chief.

Tied team record with two TD passes of 70 yards or more in one season (2013).

Was named starting QB over Teddy Bridgewater prior to the 4th preseason game.

Adrian Peterson notes:

On Friday the Vikings deactivated Adrian Peterson for Sundays game after he was indicted on charges in Texas involving his 4 year old son.
Vikings first round draft pick (7th overall) in 2007 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma.

Is a 6 time Pro Bowl selection and 3 time First Team All-Pro.

In 2012 after returning from a devastating ACL injury he rushed for a league high 2097 yards with 12 TD’s.

In his career he has six 1,000+ yard seasons and would have had 7 if he hadn’t gotten injured in 2011 (970 in 12 games).

Has a career average of 5.0 yards per carry.

With 10,190 career rushing yards he is 2nd among active running backs behind only Steven Jackson (10,678) and is 27th on the career list.

His 86 TD’s are 1st among active running backs and 14th all-time.

He is also the active leader in rushing yards per game with 98.2 (3rd all-time).

Is a former Rookie of the Year (2007), NFL MVP (2012) and Offensive Player of the Year (2012) winner.

Needs 78-yards to break Cris Carter’s team record for combined yards (12,410) in a career.

Needs 2 TD’s to tie Randy Moss for 2nd in team history with 93 TD’s. Carter holds the franchise record with 110 TD’s.

Most rushing yards in NFL since 2007 with 10,190.

16 times in his career he has 100 yards rushing in one half.

His 5 career 200+ rushing yard games are second in NFL history to O.J. Simpson who had 6 career 200+ rushing yard games.

Cordarrelle Patterson notes:

Has a TD in 6 consecutive games.

First Viking WR to have a 100-yard rushing game with 102 rushing yards at St. Louis in Week 1.

Has 4 career rushing TD’s tied with Percy Harvin for most by a Viking WR.

Set a team record with the longest run from scrimmage by a Vikings WR when he scored on a 67-yard run.

Greg Jennings notes:

Joins Minnesota after seven seasons in Green Bay.

His 55 TD’s are tied for 4th most TD catches in NFL since 2007.

Chad Greenway notes:

Is 7th Viking and 5th team linebacker to reach 1,000 tackles.

In 2013 became 5th Vikings player to have a season with 3+ sacks and 3+ INT’s.

Since 2007 has 11 fumble recoveries, second in NFL to New England’s Rob Ninkovich.

Has led Minnesota in tackles for 6 consecutive seasons.

Former Patriots on the Vikings:

QB Matt Cassel

Players with New England roots:

G Vladimir Ducasse – Stamford CT
C John Sullivan – Greenwich CT

Players from New England based colleges and universities:

G Vladimir Ducasse – UMass
DT Shamar Stephen – UConn
G Josh Samuda (IR) – UMass

Vikings team captains:

Team selects captains on a weekly basis.

Minnesota has 6 retired numbers:

10 – Fran Tarkenton
53 – Mick Tingelhoff
70 – Jim Marshall
77 – Korey Stringer
80 – Cris Carter
88 – Alan Page

Next Week

Up next: Oakland Raiders – AFC West

Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxboro MA

Date/Time: Sunday September 21 at 1 p.m.

TV Network: CBS

In The Red Zone: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins Game Preview – Week 1

This Week

The New England Patriots visit the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Patriots		Dolphins
2013 Record	13-5	2013 Record	8-8
Road Record	4-5	Home Record	4-4
AFC East	4-2	AFC East	2-4
AFC Conf	10-4	AFC Conf	7-5

Walt Anderson is the referee for the game

The Line/Prediction

As of Thursday the line on the game from Sports Betting via Yahoo Sports has the game as Patriots MINUS 5. The over under is 47.

My Prediction is Patriots 28, Dolphins, 24. Take the points (Dolphins) and take the over.

In 2013 including the post season I was 6-12 vs. the spread and 9 of 18 on the over/under.

Tickets

Tickets to the game, if available, can be purchased through Ticketmaster. You can check the availability here.

Getting To The Game

If you’re lucky enough to be going to the game in Miami make sure you check out the links.

Here is the up to date weather forecast for the game from weather.com.

Click for all the game day information including stadium directions, parking and stadium information, parking map and a Sun Life Stadium seating chart.

Tailgating

Here’s a bunch of different tailgating recipes from Tailgating.com. There’s something there for everyone and every type of meal or snack. I’ve tried some of the recipes and they’re very good.

And with tailgating many people enjoy some adult beverages. With that in mind check out Drink Nation for how to make all sorts of great drinks. You can look things up by name, ingredient(s) or theme.

BROADCAST INFORMATION

Television

CBS in televising the game regionally and Greg Gumbel will do play by play while Trent Green will provide the game analysis and Evan Washburn will work the sidelines. You can look here for your local affiliate.

See if you’re getting the game courtesy of J.P. Kirby at the506.com.

The DirecTV designation is Channel 711.

Here are all the rules on NFL TV broadcasts including explaining the blackout rules; flex scheduling and commercial breaks.

Radio

The Patriots Radio Network call is available on Sirius Channel 91 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 818.

The Dolphins Radio Network has former Dolphins WR Jimmy Cefalo calling play-by-play and former Dolphins TE Joe Rose and Hall of Famer Bob Griese providing the color with Kim Bokamper on the sidelines via their flagship stations WINZ and WBGG-FM.

Their call is available on Sirius Channel 136, XM Channel 230 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 816.

ESPN Radio will carry the game nationally Mark Kestescher has the play by play, Louis Riddick does the analysis and Ian Fitzsimmons works the sidelines.

Their call is available on Sirius Channel 83 and XM Channel 83.

Patriots All Access

Boston MA on TV 38 Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
Providence RI on WNAC Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
Manchester NH on WMUR Saturday at midnight
Portland ME on WMTW Saturday at 5 a.m.
Hartford CT on WCTX Saturday at 5 p.m.
Springfield MA on WFXQ Saturday at 7 p.m.
Bangor ME on WVII Sunday at 11 a.m.

You can also watch it anytime on the teams website in the media section.

Last Week

This is the season opener for 2014. It is the first of two consecutive road games for the Patriots who travel to Minnesota next week.

The Patriots finished the preseason 2-2, while the Dolphins were 3-1.

History

This is the 98th meeting between the teams including playoffs.
The Dolphins lead the series 51-46 including playoffs.
The Patriots have the edge in post season meetings, 2-1.
The teams split the 2013 series. New England won at Gillette, 27-17 in Week 8 and Miami rebounded to win at Sun Life in Week 15, 24-20.
The Patriots have won 9 of the last 12 games between the teams.
The Patriots are 15-34 vs. the Dolphins on the road including playoffs.

Patriots Team Notes

Here is the Patriots roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Patriots Schedule/Results

The Patriots overall franchise record is 438-373-9. They have won three Super Bowls (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) in seven appearances. Overall they are 25-18 in the post season.

They last appeared in the playoffs in 2013 when they beat Indianapolis in the AFC Divisional Round 43-22 and lost at Denver 26-16 in the AFC Championship Game.

It was the 3rd consecutive AFC Championship game appearance for the franchise and 10th overall. They are 7-3 in those AFC title games.

The Patriots were 12-4 (1-1 in playoffs) in 2013 and are the defending five-time AFC East Champions. They have won the division 11 times and the conference 5 times since 2000.

New England is the only NFL team to finish .500 or better in each of the last 13 seasons (2001-2013).

They have 11 consecutive seasons with at least 10 wins.

They are the first team in the free agency era (1993) to win more than half their games in a 13-season span.

New England is 30-24 in Week 1 games in franchise history. They are 11-12 in week 1 games on the road.

They have won their last 4 Week 1 games on the road dating back to 2007.

Patriots are seeking their 11th consecutive opening day win. Only Dallas (17, 1965-81), Miami (11, 1992-2002) and Detroit (10, 1930-39) have had at least 10 consecutive opening day wins.

They are 11-3 under Bill Belichick in Week 1.

This is the fourth consecutive year New England has opened on the road.

New England is 23-8 in September since 2004 the best record in the NFL.

Since 2003 the Patriots have the NFL’s best record at 138-38.

New England is 65-23 vs. the AFC East since 2000 in the regular season.

Patriots are 11-16 at Sun Life Stadium.

New England had their longest win streak vs. Miami (7) snapped last season in Week 15 when they lost at Sun Life Stadium 24-20.

The Patriots have swept the Dolphins 9 times.

New England finished 3rd in scoring with 444 points (27.8 PPG) and 10th in points allowed with 338 (21.1 PPG)

This is the 21st season of Patriots ownership by the Kraft family. Since Robert Kraft bought the team in 1994 they:

Have the most Super Bowl wins, 3.
Have the most regular season wins, 217.
Have the most wins including playoffs, 238.
Have the most conference titles, 6.
Have the most division titles, 13.
Have the most playoff wins, 21
Have played the most playoff games, 33.
Are tied for the most playoff seasons, 15.
The fewest head coaches within the division, 3.
Have drafted the most Pro Bowl players, 20.

From 1960 to 1993 the New England/Boston Patriots won a total of 225 games.

Patriots Staff Notes

This is the link to head coach Bill Belichick’s Wednesday press conference on the Dolphins.

Bill Belichick is 18-12 vs. the Dolphins in his career. He is 18-10 against them as the head coach in New England.

Overall in his NFL career Belichick is 198-105 in his 19th NFL season as a head coach. He is 163-61 with New England and 36-44 with Cleveland. He is 19-9 in the playoffs, 18-8 as head coach of the Patriots in the post season. When you combine his regular season and post season records he is 218-114.

Belichick’s 218 wins are good for 5th all-time. Curly Lambeau is 4th with 229 wins.