New Orleans Saints vs New England Patriots Prediction, Pick and Preview, September 26 (9/26): NFL Week 3

Credit: photo by Chris Pedota/NorthJersey.com-USA TODAY Sports

Odds

2021 season stats

Preview

The Saints visit Gillette Stadium in Foxborough for game week 3.  The Saints demolished the Packers on the opening weekend but were then outplayed and beaten by division their division rival Carolina Panthers.  After putting up 38 points in Week 1 the Saints were only able to put up 7 points in Week 2.  The Patriots were stunned in Week 1 after a late Damien Harris fumble but took care of business on the road at the Jets in Week 2 forcing rookie QB Zach Wilson to 4 picks.  Both teams are 1-1 and are trying to take control of their division early on in the season. 

Offensive matchup

The Saints were able to dismantle the Packers' defense in their opening game but fell completely flat in Week 2.  Jameis Winston completed 50% of his passes -11 from 22 - for 111 yards and 2 INTs and was sacked 4 times.  Winston's two INTs came on two deep throws to close out the respective halves and he ended the game with no passing TDs but did have a rushing TD.  Even Alvin Kamara was kept quiet gaining a paltry 5 yards on 8 carries and was only able to add 25 more off 4 receptions. 

Mac Jones has been managing the Pats offense commendably throughout the start of his pro career.  Jones hasn't thrown a pick in either week and completed 22 of 30 attempts against the Jets in Week 2.  He didn't have any passing TDs but also didn't give away the ball.  James White led the team's offense with 20 yards off 5 carries and 45 yards off 6 receptions.  Damien Harris had 62 yards off 16 carries once again underpinning the importance of the two pass-catching backs to McDaniels' offense.  Nick Folk was also a perfect 4 of 4 from FGs but missed an XP. 

Defensive matchup

The Saints defense wasn't as effective in Week 2 as they had been in Week 1 and even last season.  They were only able to sack Sam Darnold twice even though they forced two picks.  Linebacker Demario Davis did lead the team with 8 tackles and 4 assisted tackles while Malcolm Jenkins had 5 and 1 respectively.  New Orleans' defense will need to bounce back against the rookie Mac Jones in Week 3.

The Pats defense was stout once again in Week 2 giving up only two FGs to the Jets throughout all four quarters.  They are currently joint 2nd in the league having given up 11.5 points per game to their opponents through the two games.  The Pats were able to push pressure on the Jets' offensive line and got to Zach Wilson and brought him down 4 times with Josh Uche having two of those sacks.  The packs should continue their top defensive effort in true Belichick style.

Prediction

The Saints have been too inconsistent in the first two weeks and if not for  Damien Harris fumble the Pats could be 2-0.  Even though New England lost at home in Week 1, expect them to bounce back this week.  Mac Jones has been marshaling the offense while their defense is one of the best in the league.  The saints still have some issues to figure out so take the Pats.

PICK: Patriots money line (-139)

Find more sports picks from the top sports bettors and NFL experts all in one place using our iOS and Google Play apps, as well as our other articles at Kingpin.pro.  We are the home for NFL picks, sports picks and sports betting.