Saints vs. Patriots: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Time and Predictions
Sep 15, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (80) catches the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
In a matchup of two elite quarterbacks and two contending teams, the New Orleans Saints will visit the New England Patriots Sunday afternoon. We know all about Tom Brady and Drew Brees of course, but this game will come down to the other playmakers on the field, not just the great QBs.
Where: Gilette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
When: October 13, 2013, 4:25 p.m. ET
Watch: FOX
Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket, Game Rewind
Saints Player to Watch: Darren Sproles
Sep 30, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Darren Sproles (43) carries the ball in the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Even though Sproles lost some touches to Pierre Thomas last Sunday, he will be a big factor against the Pats in this game. Since losing Vince Wilfork, this Patriots D has struggled to stop the run. Sproles is a dynamic enough player, both in the running game and screen game, to give New England’s front seven a tough time. Sean Payton will give Sproles plenty of early touches, which will set up the play action for Brees and Co.
Patriots Player to Watch: Danny Amendola
Sep 8, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) catches a pass against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Patriots beat the Bills 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
With Rob Gronkowski still not cleared to play, Amendola remains Brady’s top target in the offense. When he’s suited up, he’s looked great in this year. He’ll see double-digit targets this game, as he doesn’t figure to be limited by a snap count like he was in Week 5.
Matchup to Watch: Marques Colston vs. Aqib Talib
Sep 30, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marques Colston (12) carries the ball against the Miami Dolphins in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. New Orleans defeated Miami 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
This matchup used to be a twice per year affair when Talib was a Buc. Now he’s a Patriot and still one of the top cover corners in the game. Colston is coming off a quiet game, but the familiarity of this matchup may benefit him some. He has a way of using his size to succeed against even the best of corners.
Prediction
Sep 29, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) passes against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Georgia Dome. The Patriots defeated the Falcons 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Coming off a brutal outing in which his streak of 52 straight games with a TD pass got snapped, Brady will bounce back at home and outplay Brees and the Saints D. No team is tougher to beat after a loss than the Bill Belichick-era Pats, and we’ll see why once again. The Saints are a very good team, but after Sunday, both of these teams will be 5-1.
Patriots 24, Saints 20