Sunday features a big game between the New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints. As both teams look to improve to 2-1 on the season. This is the first year for the Saints without Drew Brees, while the Pats are two games into the Mac Jones era. Let’s take a closer look to this Saints at Patriots betting preview.
The last time these two franchises played one another was back in 2017 when Tom Brady was still the quarterback for New England. You can catch Sunday’s tilt on FOX or DAZN. The kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 pm EST at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots are currently listed as -3 home favorites on the point spread.
Which Winston Will Saints Get On Sunday?
Ever since Jameis Winston entered the league, the former number one overall pick has been a model of inconsistency at the quarterback position.
While there are plenty of games when he looks like a viable gunslinger, he also has a terrible reputation of turning the ball over. In 2019, Winston led the NFL in passing yards but also ranked first in interceptions with 30.
In the first game of the 2021 season, Winston threw five touchdown passes in a 38-3 victory over the Packers. But in Week 2, Winston fell back to his old bad habits, throwing two interceptions and fumbling the ball once in a loss to Carolina.
While the Saints will rely on star running back Alvin Kamara to be much better after two poor first two games, this team’s ultimate record will depend on if Jameis Winston plays like a number one overall pick or a guy who is considered a backup by many league pundits.
Patriots Led By Their Defense
Bill Belichick continues to be a defensive mastermind, and that’s exactly how New England will win their games. They won’t be pretty, and gone are the days of Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski tearing up defenses in Foxborough.
Mac Jones has been alright in his first two games but will be used as nothing more than a game manager in 2021. The pressure remains on New England’s defense, which has been fantastic through two weeks.
New England intercepted Jets QB Zach Wilson four times last week and only allowed them to score six points en route to a 25-6 win at the Meadowlands. This is a recipe for disaster for Winston, who is going to have a long day facing Belichick and company.
Saints All-Pro wide receiver Michael Thomas remains on the COVID-19 reserve. Patriots Pro Bowl corner Stephon Gilmore is on the PUP list with a quadriceps injury, and tackle Trent Brown and defensive end Kyle Van Noy are listed as questionable for Sunday.
Prediction
Although New England is battling some injuries, I can’t bet against Belichick and back Winston after his awful performance in Carolina last week.
Mac Jones is not going to lose you games, and New England should really be 2-0 after barely losing their home opener to Miami by a single point. I like the Patriots to win this game 20-14 and cover the three points.
The Pick: New England Patriots -3
