The set-up: The Saints had 26 FDs to the Pats' 18 up in New England in Week 1 but turnovers did in New Orleans. The Saints had four miscues (two INTs and two lost fumbles), while the Pats didn't have a single turnover. New England opened the scoring with a 43-yard "pick six" and then up just 24-22, a 17-yard fumble return TD by the Pats broke open the game late (34-22 final). Houston opened with a 24-13 win last Sunday night at San Francisco. The Saints trailed 13-7 at the half but two TD passes by backup QB Tom Savage, along with a shut out effort by the New Orleans defense, led to the 11-point victory.

The Houston defensive overwhelmed Drew Brees and the Saints in a 24-6 win last year in Week 12 but there is no reason to believe we'll see that kind of intensity (or tenacity) from the Texans "D" in this preseason contest. The Saints can't possibly be as sloppy a they were last week, coughing up four turnovers, two of which were returned for scores. Houston has ‘bet' it's future on Brock Osweiler, who didn't look sharp at all in Week 1. O'Brien sure won't be counting on Savage to bail out the team again but I'm not sure Osweiler is ready for primetime. Look for a bounce-back effort in this one from the Saints and Brees, who also own a scheduling edge. New Orleans played Thursday in Week 1 and now Saturday in Week 2, while Houston played last Sunday and now on Saturday in Week 2. The underdog Saints are an 8* play.