2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 3

New Orleans Saints (1-1) at New England Patriots (1-1)

Sunday, September 26, 1PM ET

It feels weird to be picking against the New Orleans Saints after successfully predicting they would upset the Packers in Week 1. Then again, did we really expect that type of production to continue from Jameis Winston? Hint: the only correct answer is a resounding “no.”

I’m not yet convinced that the Patriots offense is the real deal, as Mac Jones has shown promise but hasn’t turned it into large amounts of points. Luckily for New England, they’ve got one of the league’s top defenses to lean on while the rookie quarterback gains his bearings.

Last weekend, the Patriots racked up four interceptions. Yes, I know it was against another rookie in only his second outing, but it’s still an impressive feat regardless. Winston is infamous for throwing interceptions in bunches, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw another one of those ugly performances here in Week 3.

New England gets the win as their defense puts the clamps on Winston, Alvin Kamara and anyone else the Saints opt to give the ball. Jones has another solid performance, taking another step towards proving he can be the face of this franchise in the post-Brady era.

Prediction: Patriots win 24-14 | Spread: Patriots (-3)