This is a 10* TOTAL OF THE YEAR on the OVER Saints/Patriots.

I got down early and don't have the best of lines, but regardless, I believe these two 1-1 non-conference teams will open up the playbook instead of trying to shut each other down.

Note, both teams have seen the total go 0-2 so far as well.

The Saints looked great in their opening victory against the Packers, but they fell flat in last week's 26-7 loss. So which Saints team can we expect here?

I'd say somewhere right in the middle. New Orleans is not as good as its Weekk 1 victory and not as bad as its Week 2 loss.

The Saints' defense definitely took a step back last week, allowing the 26 points and 383 yards of offense to the Panthers.

The Patriots have also done well defensively, but the level of competition (Jets last weekend), absolutely has to be called into question here. Mac Jones has yet to have a breakout game, but this Week 3 matchup sets him up perfectly for that exact type of performance.

The early numbers are skewed for each team to this point in my opinion and they've helped in driving this total just a little too low.

As I said, I believe this non-conference game between 1-1 teams sets up as more or a "shoot-out" than a "chess-match."

The play is the OVER.

Good luck, NP