Patriots
The Patriots ruled out linebacker Jamie Collins, defensive end Michael Buchanan and center Ryan Wendell late Saturday night, which will shake up their offensive and defensive rotations. If the Patriots elect to keep a 3-4 defensive alignment, I expect Chandler Jones to shift from defensive end to outside linebacker and Dont'a Hightower from outside linebacker inside linebacker. Jones will be replaced at defensive end by a bigger player, and the Patriots' three-man front will consist of a rotation between Vince Wilfork, Sealver Siliga, Dominique Easley, Chris Jones and Joe Vellano.
Replacing Collins with a bigger body could make the Patriots' run defense better, but it will seriously weaken their pass defense, with the biggest hit coming in tight end coverage. Collins is excellent at covering hybrid, athletic tight ends, and now Rob Ninkovich, Chandler Jones, Dont'a Hightower and Jerod Mayo will be thrust into that role. The Patriots also could bring up a safety to help out against Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph.
If the Patriots decide to go with a 4-3, they'll likely use Mayo at weakside linebacker, Hightower in the middle, Ninkovich at strongside, Chandler Jones at defensive end, and a rotation for the final three spots on the starting line between Wilfork, Siliga, Easley, Jones and Vellano. The Patriots' only other option would be to thrust Deontae Skinner, Chris White or Zach Moore into a starting role, which is unlikely.
Kickoff is at 1 p.m. ET, so stay here for updates from TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis and analysis throughout the game.
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