New England Patriots vs. New Orleans Saints Preview
Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome – New Orleans, LA
When: Sunday, September 17, 2017, 1:00 PM ET
Line: New England Patriots (-7) vs. New Orleans Saints (+7); total 54.5 – view all 2017 NFL lines
TV Broadcast: CBS
NFL News and Previews
- Washington Redskins vs. Kansas City Chiefs Preview - October 2, 2017
- Oakland Raiders vs. Denver Broncos Preview - October 1, 2017
- Carolina Panthers vs. New England Patriots Preview - October 1, 2017
- 2017 NFL Week 4 Picks and Predictions
Betting on the New England Patriots (0-1)
Not a lot of things went right for the Pats in their shock 42-27 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs. Tom Brady was uncharacteristically off as he went just 16-of-36 for 267 yards. His 44 percent completion percentage is actually dead-last in the NFL through one week. Brady also wasn’t helped by an offensive line which struggled to impose itself.
Meanwhile, the defense looked troublingly inept. Their front couldn’t generate any pressure whatsoever and was repeatedly gashed on the ground. The loss of linebacker Dont’a Hightower to a knee injury was a huge one, and it remains to be seen whether he will be risked this week.
But as bad as things looked on both sides of the ball for the Pats, it’s never a good idea to overreact to a bad Week 1 result, and an even worse idea to doubt Bill Belichick, especially with over a week to prepare. Even with key absentees, he should have his team ready to go for their visit to New Orleans.
After going up against the Chiefs’ very strong defense in Week 1, facing the Saints and their still-porous pass secondary which was torn to shreds by Sam Bradford and the Vikings offense should be a perfect matchup for Brady and the Pats offense to get back on track.
Betting on the New Orleans Saints (0-1)
Adrian Peterson’s return to Minnesota did not go exactly as planned. His new team, the Saints, had some uncharacteristic offensive struggles and more characteristic defensive problems in their 29-19 defeat against the Vikings on Monday Night Football.
Peterson rushed for just 18 yards, which was actually tied for the team lead as the Saints struggled to create anything on the ground. With their patched up O-line struggling to get a decent push, they finished with just 60 yards on 21 carries.
Drew Brees once again did his best to keep the team in it, but even he didn’t seem at his best. Perhaps he was missing last year’s top target, Brandin Cooks, who will make his return to New Orleans with the Pats.
It’s entirely possible that Brees and the offense play better now that they get to go back home and they go from facing the Vikings’ imposing line to the Pats’.
However, it’s much more unlikely that the Saints’ troublesome defense can improve any further. And if this game comes down to which team can pull off enough stops, the Saints will struggle to produce on that end.
Writer’s Prediction
The Pats pick up their first win of the season, but the Saints (+7) cover at home in a 31-27 defeat.
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