What a difference a week makes for the New Orleans Saints going from world-beaters in Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers to humbled quickly in Week 2 at the Carolina Panthers. This week the 1-1 Saints travel northeast to take on the 1-1 New England Patriots. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, and the game will air on FOX.
These teams haven’t met without Tom Brady and Drew Brees as quarterbacks since 2005. New England won 36-20 on the road in 2017 and lead the all-time series 10-4. New Orleans last won in New England in 1995 with losses in 2001, 2005, and 2013.
Which Winston Will the Saints Get
The Saints have faced a bad defense in Green Bay and a really good one in Carolina. This week’s defense is more like the latter and could give Jameis Winston fits. Last week the Saints quarterback threw two interceptions in Carolina and was chased all over the field, a far cry from the clean pocket he had in the opener with five touchdown passes.
The Saints had just six first downs against the Panthers, and they were missing eight coaches due to COVID-19 protocol. They expect to have most of their team and coaches back together for Sunday’s contest.
Alvin Kamara has rushed for just 88 yards so far this season, with a 3.1 yards per carry average. He has yet to find the end zone as a runner, with Winston having the Saints’ lone touchdown on the ground. Kamara leads the Saints with seven catches on the season, and he has a receiving touchdown to go with 33 yards.
With Michael Thomas out, Deonte Harris leads the Saints with 81 receiving yards. Tight end Juwan Johnson had two touchdowns against the Packers and has four catches for 44 yards.
Patriots Belong to Mac Jones
Quarterback Mac Jones picked up his first NFL win last Sunday with 180 yards passing. He threw for 281 yards and a touchdown in the Week 1 home loss to Miami and is now looking for his first home win.
Running back, Damien Harris has 162 yards on the season with 4.2 yards per carry. He has a rushing touchdown, as does James White. White leads the Patriots with 12 receptions on the year and also has a team-best 94 receiving yards.
Nelson Agholor has eight catches for 93 yards and a touchdown, while Jakobi Meyers has ten catches for 82 yards. Jones has used the tight ends as well, with Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith both getting involved. Smith has nine catches for 70 yards, while Henry has five catches for 73 yards.
Cornerback J.C. Jackson had two interceptions last week, and the Pats picked off Zach Wilson four times. The ball-hawking defense that is +3 in the turnover battle on the season could give Winston trouble on Sunday as he has a tendency to turn the ball over.
Betting Analysis
- New Orleans Saints +3 (-115). +130 Moneyline
- New England Patriots -3 (-105) -150 Moneyline
- Total: 43 points. Over -105, Under -115
Getting Winston out of his comfort zone is big for the Patriots and something Bill Belichick has thrived on in his career. New England will look to control the ball with the running game and keep Jones in control. The Saints need to unleash Kamara as a multi-purpose back to take the pressure off their quarterback.
Free Pick: Patriots -3 (-105)
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