The New England Patriots return home to begin a two-game stretch against NFC South opponents at Gillette Stadium. Before next week’s showdown against the Tom Brady-led Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Patriots (1-1) first play host to the 1-1 New Orleans Saints.
In recent Saints-Patriots matchups, high-scoring affairs were to be expected with Drew Brees and the aforementioned Brady leading their respective squads. Nowadays, both teams rely upon the strength of their defenses.
In year one of the post-Brees era, the Saints are guided by quarterback Jameis Winston. Entering the second season since Brady bolted for Tampa Bay, the Patriots feature rookie Mac Jones under center.