Saints vs. Patriots Prediction, Pick, Odds: Will Derek Carr, Saints Step Up on Sunday?
The Saints travel to New England to take on the Patriots. Can Derek Carr and the Saints step up? Jason Radowitz answers.
Jason Radowitz - October 5, 2023, 11:41 AM EDT
5 minSaints vs. Patriots Prediction, Pick, Odds: Will Derek Carr Finally Start To Earn Passing Touchdowns Consistently for New Orleans?
Bill Belichick didn't have any fun last weekend as coach of the Patriots. He just coached in one of the most lopsided games that he's ever been a part of.
The Patriots lost 38-3 to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, pushing their record to 1-3 on the season.
Mac Jones left in the third quarter because of how bad the deficit got.
Now, New England will head home to take on the New Orleans Saints, who have also had difficulty scoring recently.
The Saints have lost back-to-back games against the Packers and Buccaneers. After the Saints blew a 17-0 lead against the Packers, they've only scored nine points since.
What should we expect on Sunday between these two teams?
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Sunday's game between the New Orleans Saints vs. New England Patriots.
Saints vs. Patriots Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: October 8, 2023
- Game Time: 1:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: CBS
Saints vs. Patriots Odds
- Spread: Saints +1 (-110), Patriots -1 (-110)
- Total Odds: O/U 40 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Saints (+105), Patriots (-115)
Saints vs. Patriots Injury Report
Saints
Questionable: QB Derek Carr (Shoulder), C Erik McCoy (Knee), TE Juwan Johnson (Calf), CB Paulson Adebo (Hamstring), DT Bryan Bresee (Illness)
Out: RB Jamaal Williams (Hamstring)
Patriots
Questionable: CB Shaun Wade (Shoulder), RB Rhamondre Stevenson (Thigh), DB Jonathan Jones (Ankle), WR Ty Montgomery (Illness), DE Davon Godchaux (Ankle)
Out: DE Trey Flowers (Undisclosed), CB Christian Gonzalez (Shoulder), LB Matthew Judon (Bicep), WR Tyquan Thronton (Shoulder)
New Orleans Saints vs. New England Patriots Prediction
The Saints and Patriots are pretty comparable.
Derek Carr has a bit more in the tank compared to Mac Jones. The Saints are also getting better protection from the offensive line this season.
The Saints also have more talent on the field, including Alvin Kamara, who returned from his suspension last weekend.
Therefore, the Saints have a bit more going for them right now.
Still, they've added just 308.5 yards per game on offense, which is too low for all of that talent. That needs to improve.
The Patriots rarely get a pass rush through. If Carr has time in the pocket, he'll make some solid decisions and find top receivers like Chris Olave and Michael Thomas down the field.
New England's secondary has been good. But the loss of Christian Gonzalez won't help at all. The defense is more disciplined. They convert on tackles and have only allowed 101 yards per game on the ground.
On the other hand, the Saints have held teams to 214 yards per game in the air. They've been just as good in the secondary and have stopped teams to 103.3 yards per game in the rushing category.
New Orleans will put more pressure on Jones in this game and has a better all-around special teams unit.
The Saints need to score more passing touchdowns. It probably won't happen often in this game. But Derek Carr only has two passing touchdowns, with two interceptions. He was brought in to be the new franchise quarterback of the team. While his leadership has been outstanding, the offense hasn't had the best of starts.
On the other hand, Mac Jones only has five touchdowns thrown, with four interceptions. Neither team has impressed offensively.
The Under makes sense in this game. But I still like the Saints a little bit more on the road.
New Orleans Saints vs. New England Patriots Pick
- Saints +1 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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