Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL: 1. Underdog mentality: Belief was abundant in the Patriots' locker room over the past week, and perhaps nowhere was that more evident than with eight-year veteran defensive tackle Davon Godchaux.

The 49ers score 5.3 more points per game (24.3) than the Patriots allow (19). San Francisco averages 407.3 yards per game, 80 more yards than the 327.3 yards that New England gives up per outing. This year, the 49ers have turned the ball over three times, one more than the Patriots' takeaways (2).

SANTA CLARA, CA -- On Sunday afternoon, the San Francisco 49ers look to put an end to the short slide they find themselves on when they play host to the New England Patriots.