Storyline: The Seattle Seahawks visit Gillette Stadium for the first time since Pete Carroll was hired in 2010. It’s Carroll’s first trip to  Foxboro since he was fired by the Patriots after the 1999 season.

Here are my five keys to the game.

1. Pass Pro: The Patriots offensive line needs to consistently block Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril in pass protection. They cannot allow them to collapse the pocket, especially on long and medium downs. 

2. Go Away From Richard Sherman: I wouldn’t test Richard Sherman too much early on if I were the Patriots. Go at Jeremy Lane early, especially if the match up is ideal. Challenge Sherman in the red zone.

3. Adjust Without Collins: It’ll be interesting to see how the Patriots adjust to life without the recently traded Jaime Collins. Will Elandon Roberts or Kiki Mingo start? I’m curious to see how the Patriots adjust their personnel without Collins.

4. Pound Em Off-Tackle: One of the best ways to slow down an aggressive pass rush like Seattle’s is to run the football. The Patriots need to run at Cliff Avril, Frank Clark and Michael Bennett and slow them down.

5. Don’t Kick to Tyler Lockett: Lockett is the best returner in the NFL. Don’t kick him the ball. It’s really that simple.

Prediction: Patriots 31 Seahawks 20: The Patriots will generate match ups with Gronk and Martellus Bennett, attack the middle of the field and hang a 30 spot on the Blue Birds. Patriots win by two scores.