Maybe this is the homer in me coming out, but I'd be afraid to use J.T. O'Sullivan this week. I have no idea what to expect out the Patriots offense, but their defense should be surly and primed after their bye week to cause havoc for the 49ers. Bill Belichick always comes up with some clever designs after a bye week, and the Patriots usually play their best coming off a loss.

This is a litmus test for where this team is going. A "normal" Patriots defense responds and smacks San Francisco around. And Matt Cassel and company would copy the spread principles New Orleans used last week and have their best game. I have my doubts about the offense (although I like Laurence Maroney to have his best game), but I'd be surprised if O'Sullivan has a good game.