Patriots vs. Panthers: Kickoff Time, How To Watch, And More

The New England Patriots closed out the first month of the season with a 2-1 record and begin the month of October at home when they host the Carolina Panthers this Sunday at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots are a NFL-best 53-17 in the month of October since 2000. Last season, the Patriots finished with a 4-1 October record.

This Sunday’s game will be the Patriots’ second against an NFC team. In Week 2, the Patriots traveled to New Orleans and beat the Saints, 36-20. New England owns a 49-12 (.803) record vs. NFC teams since realignment in 2002, the best inter-conference record in the NFL during that time. Pittsburgh is second with a 41-20 record.

QB Tom Brady has thrown for 825 yards and eight touchdowns in the last two games with 447 yards and three touchdowns at the Saints and 378 yards and five touchdowns vs. Houston.

Here's what you need to know about Sunday's game:

Kickoff

The Patriots and Panthers will play at Gillette Stadium at 1 p.m.

Broadcast Information

TELEVISION: This week’s game will be broadcast by FOX and can be seen on WFXT Channel 25. Joe Buck will handle play-by-play duties with Troy Aikman as the color analyst. Erin Andrews will work from the sidelines. The game will be produced by Richie Zyontz and directed by Rich Russo.

NATIONAL RADIO: This week’s game will be broadcast to a national audience on ESPN Radio. Adam Amin and Chris Canty will call the game.

RADIO: 98.5 FM, The Sports Hub, is the flagship station for the Patriots Radio Network. Play-by-play broadcaster Bob Socci will call the action along with former Patriots quarterback Scott Zolak, who will provide color analysis. The games are produced by Marc Cappello.

The Betting Line

Here's what the odds makers have to say about Sunday night's game via ESPN.com:

• Westgate - New England by 9.5 points
• Caesar's - New England by 9.5 points
• William Hill - New England by 9.5 points
• Wynn - New England by 9 points
• Cantor - New England by 9 points
• Unibet - New England by 9.5 points

What The Experts Say

• ESPN.com - All nine expects pick Patriots
• CBSSports.com - All eight experts pick Patriots
• Yahoo! Sports - All six experts pick Patriots
• Benjamin Hoffman, New York Times - Patriots (Texans with spread)
• Sports Illustrated - Four of six experts pick Patriots
• FiveThirtyEight - New England favored by 78 percent

Parking Information

Stadium parking lots open at 9 a.m. Parking is $40 for cars and motorcycles and $150 for buses, RVs and limos. For more parking information, visit the Gillette Stadium parking FAQ.

Allow for Plenty of Time Around the Stadium

With a capacity crowd expected, fans are encouraged to arrive early to allow for plenty of time when traveling near the stadium. The usual traffic restrictions will be in place on local roads before and after the show. Fans must use Interstate 95, Interstate 495 or Route 140 to access Route 1 and Gillette Stadium.

Clear Bag Policy In Effect

Fans attending the game are reminded that bags larger than a small wristlet or handheld wallet will not be allowed inside Gillette Stadium, per the venue’s clear bag policy, which is in effect at all ticketed events. If carrying a bag into the stadium is necessary, there are two options: a clear plastic bag the size of a 1- gallon Ziploc bag or a small wristlet or handheld wallet not exceeding 8” x 5” x 2” (approximately the size of a hand).
Please note that bags larger than the permitted size, including purses, shoulder bags, diaper bags and backpacks, will not be allowed inside Gillette Stadium on event day. Further, bags exceeding the permitted size will not be held or stored by the venue and must be returned to a vehicle before entering the stadium. For more information on the clear bag policy, click here.

Banned Items

Prohibited items at Gillette Stadium include, but are not limited to: selfie sticks, GoPro cameras, camera bags, umbrellas, coolers, fanny packs, outside food and beverage, balloons or beach balls, noisemakers, signs larger than 11 x 17 and any other items deemed dangerous and/or inappropriate by stadium management. For more information on prohibited items, check the stadium security protocol.

If You Need Help

Guest service booths located on the 100- and 300-level concourses at midfield/50-yard line for all stadium events. If you need immediate assistance during the event, please contact the stadium hotline at 508-384-9205.

If you require anonymous assistance during the event for behavioral or conduct related matters, please send security operations a text message at 508-928-3838 or text the word, CONDUCT to 78247 followed by all the relevant details.

Some information in this article was provided by Patriots Media Relations.

Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini