SPORTS WAGERS
NEW ORLEANS –2 over New England Stats are misleading, there’s no doubt about that and that’s why you rarely, if ever, see me mention a specific teams’ stats. Thus, you might read about how the Patriots defense ranks right up there with the best in the league and all I can say to that is, “very big deal”. What is a big deal is whom they’ve played thus far so let’s have a look at that “top-ranked” defense. In week one they played Buffalo followed by games against the Jets, Atlanta, Baltimore, Denver, Tennessee (when Kerry Collins was at QB), Tampa Bay, Miami, Indy and the Jets again. In other words, they’ve faced one prolific or efficient offense, the Colts, and they allowed 35 points. The other teams they’ve faced are among the leagues worst in total yards gained. The Pats stats were especially skewed after playing Tampa (35-7) and Tennessee (59-0). So, if you think this defense is good, think again because they’re not good at all. They’re old, they give up big plays, not to mention a ton of yards, and they’re going to get shredded tonight. There’s not a thing Bill Belichick will be able to do about it except go for it on fourth down at his own 28 yard-line (even though that was the right move). Tom Brady and the Patriots will get their points, make no mistake about that, as the Saints defense can’t stop the marching band at times, but this one is all about the Saints at home and their wickedly potent offense that cannot be stopped by such a mediocre group. The Patriots have played in a ton of big games and a ton of prime time games over the past few years so this is nothing new for them. The Saints have not played in many big games at all over the years but this one is going to have the city, fans and stadium in an absolute frenzy and thus, anytime we can lay less than a field goal on this juggernaut of a team, at home, you can pencil me in. Furthermore, the money has been coming in on the Patriots since this line came out and not only is that surprising but it’s a giant red flag too. Play: New Orleans –2 (Risking 2.1 units to win 2).