Patriots vs. Saints: Preview, score prediction for Week 2

New England Patriots vs. New Orleans Saints

The New England Patriots and the New Orleans Saints are both coming into this game off of losses. To say this game is high-stakes is an understatement. The Patriots have to show they’re better than the Chiefs made them look and their defense is solid. As for the Saints, they need to show their meeting with the Vikings was a fluke.

Coming into this week, both teams have to regroup. First, let’s look at the Patriots. Their Week 1 matchup against the Chiefs started off strong before crumbling to piece. In Week 2, the Patriots need to revamp their defense. They gave up 42 points to the Chiefs and allowed Kareem Hunt to score three touchdowns on them. On the other side of the ball, Tom Brady and his receivers need to get on the same page. Without Edelman out there, the usual chemistry between him and his receivers is lacking.

As for the Saints, they need to improve all around before meeting the Patriots. Their defense needs to step up and be able t put pressure on Brady, make key stops, break up passes and forcee turnovers. Their poor performance last week hopefully won’t be an indication of what to expect the rest of the season.

As for their offense, they need to stop pushing Adrian Peterson. Their running game was poor against the Vikings and so was their passing game. The Saints need to go back to basics with their offense and shift the focus back to passing instead of trying to force runs.

Keys to Victory

For the Patriots to secure a win, they need to stop Drew Brees. Their defense can’t allow Brees to have a lot of time. They need to pressure him and outwit the Saints offensive line. They also need to be able to stifle the run and keep the receivers from making plays. It was those mistakes that cost them fatally last week. They need to learn from them and not repeat.

As for the Saints, their defense needs to make big plays. Last week, they fizzled out in the first half and the Vikings took advantage. In Week 2, they need to focus on making key stops, getting turnovers and pressuring Brady. It’s not going to be easy, but they need the same challenge the Vikings gave them to prove themselves.

The Saints offense needs to get back some of its chemistry. Even without Snead, Brees and his other receivers need to be on the same page. As talented as their backfield is, their offense has always been extremely pass-heavy and it’s worked in the past so why change what’s been so consistent?

Odds

Point Spread: New England -4
Moneyline: New England -290, New Orleans +245
Over/Under: 54

All odds provided by Bookmaker via The Sportsbook Review

Next: New Orleans Saints: 3 Bold predictions vs Patriots in Week 2

Score Prediction

Both teams are coming off bad weeks and this week is their chance to prove themselves. Can Tom Brady connect with his receivers for his first TD pass of the season? Will the Pats defense be able to stop Drew Brees and company? Maybe Cooks will have a night in the place that drafted him.

There are a million questions for the Saints, honestly. Is the defense going to be able to bounce back from an abysmal week 1 performance? Will Drew Brees play like we’re used to? If Brees can outplay the Pats D, there’s no telling what could happen.

Prediction: New England Patriots: 31, New Orleans Saints: 24

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