NFL schedule 2012: 49ers play in primetime against Patriots

As the NFL's regular season begins to wind down, every game's importance becomes magnified. That's certainly the case for the San Francisco 49ers this week as they head east to face the New England Patriots in prime time.

A loss for the 49ers, combined with a Seattle Seahawks win over the Buffalo Bills in Toronto, would mean that when the teams face each other the next week at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, it would be for the lead in the NFC West. The 49ers will know what they have to do when they take on the Patriots at 5:20 p.m. as the Seahawks kick off with the Bills at 1:05 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Oakland Raiders will be playing in a game where the teams have a combined five wins on the season when they play the Kansas City Chiefs at home. The Raiders will be looking to end a six-game losing streak.

Here's a look at this Sunday's schedule of games, including important games from around the league.

Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears, 10 a.m., FOX

New York Giants vs. Atlanta Falcons, 10 a.m., FOX

Seattle Seahawks vs. Buffalo Bills, 1:05 p.m., FOX

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Oakland Raiders, 1:25 p.m., CBS

San Francisco 49ers vs. New England Patriots, 5:20 p.m., NBC