New England Patriots vs. New Orleans Saints: How to Watch, Betting Odds, Must-Win?

The New England Patriots welcome the struggling New Orleans Saints Sunday in a matchup between two teams searching for answers on offense.

The New England Patriots welcome the struggling New Orleans Saints to town on Sunday in a matchup between two teams searching for answers on offense.

New Orleans enters Week 5 with a two-game losing streak that has seen the Saints score a total of 26 points combined. In the first two weeks of the season - both wins - New Orleans depended on its defense, scoring just 20 and 16 points, respectively. The Saints' defense is allowing just 19 points per game while the offense is managing just 15.5.

On the other side of the ball, the Patriots have lost three of four to begin the season with a win over the Jets and losses to the Eagles, Dolphins, and Cowboys. The New England offense has been less than impressive behind quarterback Mac Jones, scoring just under 14 points per game including a three-point showing against the Cowboys last week.

Through four weeks, each team has hit 20 on the scoreboard one time, and Jones had his worst performance of the season last week throwing two interceptions, including a pick-six and had a fumble returned for a touchdown. He was benched for backup Bailey Zappe. 

Derek Carr (L) and Bill Belichick

“Confidence is something that comes from years of practice, and it grows over time,” Jones told reporters. “I think that’s what I have to look back on, is I’ve played well at times and I just have got to be more consistent. I know it’s there.”

Meanwhile, the New Orleans offense has struggled, managing just four offensive touchdowns - the fewest for a Saints team through four games since 1975. 

Saints new quarterback Derek Carr has struggled with injuries early in the season but knows his team won't give up.

“This is football. It’s tough. It’s hard,” Carr said. “Your back’s against the wall a little bit. What are you going to do about it? You going to fight? Are you going to quit? And so, I think we’re finding out a lot about our guys this week.”

Patriots coach Bill Belichick will have another chance to join Don Shula and George Halas as the only coaches in NFL history with 300 regular-season wins on Sunday. And it might be extra special this week coming off the worst loss of his 29-year career in last week's 38-3 loss in Dallas.

WHAT: New Orleans Saints (2-2) at New England Patriots (1-3)

WHERE: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts (64,628)

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, 1 p.m. ET

TELEVISION: CBS / FuboTV (try it free)

RADIO: WBZ-FM 98.5 The Sports Hub

TICKETS: SI Tickets

BETTING via SI SportsBook

SPREAD: Patriots +0.5

TOTAL: 38.5

MONEYLINE: Saints -110, Patriots -110

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