The skinny: There’s a lot to like in this prime-time matchup. The New Orleans Saints, having conquered their first 10 opponents, get another shot at national legitimacy against Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. New England has won four of its last five games, with the only loss in that span a one-point defeat at Indianapolis fueled by Belichick’s controversial fourth-down gamble.
The Saints are one of the NFL’s two undefeated teams, but only three of their wins have come against teams that currently have a winning record — the Eagles (7-4), Giants (6-5) and Falcons (6-5).
The difference will be: How the Patriots’ defense holds up against the league’s most balanced offense. Folks may not believe it when they watch them play, but the Saints are one of six teams in the league that have run the ball more than they have thrown it this season.
That said, the last two teams that beat the Patriots — the Broncos and Colts — did it through the air, with each passing for at least 316 yards. Broncos coach Josh McDaniels took the fight right to the Patriots’ cornerbacks and the Saints have the personnel to do the same all over the field.
The call: Saints 31-30.
Jeff Legwold, The Denver Post
