New Orleans Saints vs. New England Patriots Game Preview

Two of the premier quarterbacks of the past decade will collide on Week 6 as Drew Brees leads his undefeated New Orleans Saints into Foxborough to face Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

Betting on the New Orleans Saints vs. New England Patriots

When: October 13, 4:25 p.m. ET

Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachussetts

Betting Odds (as of 2013/09/24):

Money: Saints (+115), Patriots (-135)

Spread: Saints (+1), Patriots (-1)

Totals: O/U 50.5

Betting on the New Orleans Saints:

After starting 1-4 in the first five weeks last season, the Saints have come roaring out of the blocks with an undefeated 5-0 start this time around. Not surprisingly, the return of Sean Peyton to the sidelines has coincided with the Saints’ reemergence as Super Bowl contenders.

However, perhaps the more significant change from last season was the hiring of Rob Ryan. The new defensive coordinator inherited a defense which allowed the most total yards in NFL history. So far, the Saints are a much improved 12th in passing yards allowed (222 yards) and 18th in rushing yards allowed (108.6 yards). New Orleans has not even allowed 20 points to an opponent this season.

The defense may be revamped but the offense, led by former MVP Drew Brees, is still as effective as ever. If not for the brilliance of Peyton Manning, Brees’ 344 passing yards/game would lead the NFL. He’s also in the top 5 in completion percentage (70%) and touchdowns (12).

The most frequent recipient of those Brees touchdown passes has been Jimmy Graham. The fourth year tight end leads the league in receiving yards (593) and is tied for 2nd in receptions (37) and touchdowns (6). His tremendous season coupled with Rob Gronkowski’s persistent absence clearly makes Graham the undisputed best tight end in football at the moment.

The Saints were one point from also being perfect against the spread; they are 4-1 ATS this season. But can they maintain their perfect 5-0 SU mark on the road against the Pats? Bet now on the Saints.

Betting on the New England Patriots:

The New England Patriots have been far from impressive to begin this season, and yet here they at 4-1. It’s perhaps a testament to the Bill Belichick-Tom Brady duo that they’ve still managed to win despite playing at a subpar level.

A drop-off of some kind was expected due to the total overhaul of the Pats receiving corps this off-season, and it has come to pass.
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Last season’s leaders in total yards per game and points per game, the Pats are now 18th and 24th, respectively. Mr. Consistency Tom Brady is below his norm in terms of pass completion and QB rating and is on pace for a career-low 22 touchdowns.

But he will get a main weapon back when Rob Gronkowski finally makes his return against the Saints this week, which should give Brady more variety to the passing attack. His opposite number Jimmy Graham has been lighting up the league in his absence, but Gronk at his best was arguably a better player. A strong performance in his return should make people remember his ability.

Luckily for New England, the defense has compensated for the misfiring offense. The Pats are second in the league in points allowed, giving up only 14 points per contest. However, it must contend with the loss of Vince Wilfork, who will be out for the rest of the season with a torn Achilles.

Struggling offense or no, the Pats are still a tough out at home. New England is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at Gillette Stadium.

Can the Pats hand the Saints their first loss of the season? Bet now on the Patriots

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