Seven Storylines To Follow In Misinterpreted Patriots-Saints Matchup

The New England Patriots are going to learn a lot about themselves on Sunday…

New England captured what can best be described as a “signature win” against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, finally capitalizing on some momentum and earning back-to-back victories for the first time in three seasons — and are now looking to make it three straight.

It’ll be easier said than done, though.

The New Orleans Saints are expected to be more challenging than their record might indicate, which is one of a few storylines worth watching with regard to the game itself:

1. SPOTLIGHT ON SECURITY

Rhamondre Stevenson’s fumbling issues reared their ugly head this weekend, as he put another one on the ground before bouncing back with two touchdowns on the road in an extremely hostile environment.

I don’t exactly know where that performance leaves us, to be honest.

Stevenson can’t really be taken out of the lineup, as he remains the only do-it-all member of the backfield with TreVeyon Henderson struggling to get things going and Antonio Gibson headed toward injured reserve. The Patriots haven’t handed out any repercussions for his fumbles to this point, and almost certainly won’t start now — unless…

The Saints forced five turnovers last weekend — including three by way of the fumble — in their win over the New York Giants.

Stevenson’s struggles will put a target in his back for a unit that is proficient in the peanut punch, which might force some sort of change in the rotation — either before, during or after the game.

2. VETERAN CORPS

The Saints have put together an above-average defensive unit, which is led by veterans on all three levels — defensive lineman Cameron Jordan, linebacker Demario Davis and safety Justin Reid.

Drake Maye will have his hands full against that group, which is the first he’s faced all season without an obvious flaw.

The Patriots could look to attack the middle of their zone-heavy unit, which means more targets for the likes of Stefon Diggs, Hunter Henry and Rhamondre Stevenson.

3. SPEED BUMPS

The Saints are fast.

Rasheed Shaheed has statistically been the fastest player in the NFL in 2025, reaching 22.72 mph on his touchdown reception Sunday. Chris Olave ran a 4.39 second forty-yard dash during the 2022 NFL Draft Combine.

It’s going to be difficult to keep a lid on those two guys, especially with two cornerbacks — Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III — recovering from injuries.

Marcus Jones might draw more responsibility in this one than he normally would.

4. DIGGS SEES DANGER

Stefon Diggs’ maturation process is second to none, and if you don’t believe us, just go back and listen to his pregame interview last week — he told us himself!

I can’t say he was lying, though, as he gave perhaps the soundest advice of anyone who dished out an opinion regarding this matchup during the week.

“It might be a bigger test than last week, just as far as having success and being able to replicate that process and do it all over again,” Diggs said.

Diggs decided to take the diplomatic approach and compliment his upcoming opponent, but I’ll tell the truth: IT’S A TRAP!!!

New England hasn’t been good enough to be caught in trap games since the turn of the decade, but this is a classic example. New Orleans is coming off a win, is back home and is looking to turn things around… so don’t get caught sleeping.

5. FUTURE TEAMMATE?

Chris Olave hasn’t quite lived up to his draft status, but the flashes he continues to show lend credence to the fact that he might be better off in a new environment… like One Patriot Place.

Olave is a classic downfield options, which is something that hasn’t been found around these parts since the days of Randy Moss. The Saints need to acquire as much future draft capital as possible over the coming seasons, and perhaps their best asset in doing so currently wears No. 12.

I don’t know, seems like a fit.

6. LOOK GOOD, PLAY GOOD

The Patriots will be rocking a brand new uniform combination on Sunday, as they’re pairing their traditional white away jersey with brand new white pants — which have matching striping to that of their jerseys.

It’s a good look, and much better than the all-white one they rocked in 2017 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

7. KEAGAN’S BETTING CORNER

I’ve been a certified money printer for you degenerates over the last few weeks, with the season record now sitting at 4-1.

I don’t have any strong feelings about this one, though.

The Patriots should win, but I don’t love taking favorites on the moneyline. The Saints should be competitive, but the line doesn’t move me. I’ll go back to the well with this one and trust one of the rookies to show up in a big way on a week where they’ll need it.

The Pick: TreVeyon Henderson TD (+130 at DraftKings Sportsbook)

What will you be watching for? Let us know in the comments, or send a note @KeaganStiefel on X!