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Carrie Stroup here with a preview of the highly anticipated New England vs. New Orleans Monday Night Football Game courtesy of my good friends from Sportsbook.com. HC Bill Belichick's team is a 1 ½ point underdog, and at least on paper, looks like the biggest remaining threat to the Saints quest for perfection. Bettors at Sportsbook.com seem to be split as 49% of the action is on the Saints with the 1 1/2 point spread.
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ESPN got itself a dandy Monday night contest tonight, as the Saints look to stay unbeaten when they host the Patriots. Of course, New England knows a little something about enduring the pressures of being an undefeated team, having gone 16-0 just two years ago.
Obviously the QB matchup will get top billing, as both teams' offenses come in flying high, hence the large ‘total' of 57 points.. New England averages 29.0 PPG but has scored 37.2 PPG over its L5. New Orleans' offense has been the most prolific since ironically, the '07 Patriots, averaging PPG through its 10-0 start. This will be the Saints toughest task to date, as HC Bill Belichick's team nearly sent Indy to its first loss two weeks ago. HC Sean Payton's team is 7-0 ATS in its L7 vs. AFC foes and has eclipsed the 21-point mark in 18 straight games at home. The Patriots are 6-0 ATS under Belichick in the second half of the season vs. incredible offenses scoring >=29 PPG.
Drew Brees helped run New Orleans' mark to a perfect 10-0 by throwing three more touchdown passes in a 38-7 win at Tampa Bay last Sunday. The Saints have proven to be one of the more well-rounded offensive teams in recent memory, and the ground game piled on 183 yards and two scores.
New England's strength remains the trio of Tom Brady, Wes Welker and Randy Moss, which continues to rip apart any and every defense. Welker was the man most often in Brady's sights last week, grabbing 15 balls for 192 yards as New England wiped out the Jets, 31-14.
Defensively, the addition of coordinator Gregg Williams has worked wonders in the Bayou, where an emphasis on being aggressive and forcing turnovers has been met with open arms. Led by Darren Sharper (seven interceptions), the defense has forced 29 turnovers, and returned seven (five interceptions, two fumbles) for touchdowns. By comparison, the Patriots have gotten old in a hurry and lack a consistent pass rush (18 sacks). Giving Brees any extra time in the pocket is a sure recipe for disaster and one even head coach Bill Belichick may not be able to fix.
New England's trip to New Orleans is its first since 1998, and five of the last six have been played in Foxboro. Trailing in the series overall (8-3), the Saints have also lost the last three meetings.
Carrie Stroup, Gambling911.com Senior Reporter
