Experts share their picks for the Patriots Week 6 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
Mike Reiss, ESPN:
Pick: Patriots 24, Saints 20
It likely won't be easy as this is as much of a mental challenge for the Patriots as a physical one. But they have enough in the end.
Stephania Bell, ESPN: Patriots
Matt Bowen, ESPN: Patriots
Mike Clay, ESPN: Patriots
Chris Fowler, ESPN: Patriots
Dan Graziano, ESPN: Patriots
Kalyn Kahler, ESPN: Patriots
Pamela Maldonado, ESPN: Saints
Eric Moody, ESPN: Patriots
Jason Reid, ESPN: Patriots
Lindsey Thiry, ESPN: Patriots
Seth Wickersham, ESPN: Patriots
NFL.com
Ali Bhanpuri, NFL.com: Patriots 24, Saints 23
Brooke Cersosimo, NFL.com: Patriots 24, Saints 20
Dan Parr, NFL.com: Patriots 28, Saints 22
Gennaro Filice, NFL.com: Saints 21, Patriots 20
Tom Blair, NFL.com: Patriots 25, Saints 20
Why Ali picked the Patriots: New England and New Orleans both enter this matchup glowing in the aftermath of glorious Week 5 wins. For the Pats to keep the good times rollin', they mainly need to stop getting in their own way. (Enough with the fumbles already!) For the Saints to go back-to-back, they'll need to be more aggressive (and effective) throwing downfield. So far, Kellen Moore has been fairly conservative with Spencer Rattler, relying on quick-passing concepts and a commitment to the ground game. Against a Pats defense that's been dominant versus the run but susceptible to air damage, Rattler will have to deliver at the intermediate and deep levels. Can the second-year passer handle the extra responsibility? I think so. He's played far better than the Saints' record might suggest. But when it comes to which outfit I trust more right now, it's hard not to side with a New England team that just knocked off the Bills in Buffalo and seems to be gaining confidence with each passing week. If the Pats can hold on to the ball -- a big if, considering the Saints are tied for fifth in takeaways -- they'll hold on to win this weekend.
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports:
Pick: Patriots 22, Saints 21
The Patriots are riding high after beating the Bills on Sunday night, but this will be a tough game coming off that big victory. The Saints beat the Giants last week as Spencer Rattler and the defense played big. This will be a challenge for the Patriots and Drake Maye. It's close, but Maye will win it late.
Cody Benjamin, CBS Sports: Patriots
Jared Dubin, CBS Sports: Patriots
Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports: Patriots
John Breech, CBS Sports: Patriots
Tyler Sullivan, CBS Sports: Patriots
Dave Richard, CBS Sports: Patriots
Jamey Eisenburg, CBS Sports: Patriots
Pro Football Talk
Mike Florio: Patriots 24, Saints 16
Chris Simms: Patriots 28, Saints 17
Paul Perillo, Patriots.com:
Pick: Patriots 27, Saints 6
Pats run winning streak to three with business-like win in New Orleans.
Mike Dussault, Patriots.com:
Pick: Patriots 27, Saints 16
After a big win over Buffalo, the question is now whether the Patriots handle the hype and stay locked in on a Saints team that has been extremely competitive at home despite their overall 1-4 record. Stefon Diggs set a good tone this week in the locker room and it seems the team will follow his lead. It will be a close one down the final quarter but the Pats are starting to put it all together.
Evan Lazar, Patriots.com:
Pick: Patriots 24, Saints 16
The Patriots win this game on defense and a strong second half by the offense, but it's not a runaway win as the Saints make it interesting at home.
DISCLAIMER: The views and thoughts expressed in this article are those of the writer and don't necessarily reflect those of the organization. Read Full Disclaimer
