The New Orleans Saints started off the 2021 NFL season with a bang, knocking off the Green Bay Packers by a final score of 38-3. Unfortunately, that magic was not carried over to Week 2, as they lost to the Carolina Panthers 26-7. All eyes will be on Jameis Winston and company this week as they take on the New England Patriots on the road.

Sean Payton and Co. have to like what they've seen in the first two weeks of the season even with the rough loss last week. Winston has shown major progression and the ability to avoid making mistakes like he has in the past. The defense has shown some big potential as well.

Part of the issue for the Saints has been the injury woes they are already dealing with. However, that cannot be used as an excuse and they need to get back on track this week.

Going up against Mac Jones, Bill Belichick, and the Patriots will be no easy task for the Saints. The defense needs to find a way to put pressure on the rookie quarterback, and the offense has to move the ball much better than last week. New Orleans is more than capable of getting back to the level of play that they showed in Week 1 against Green Bay.

All of that being said, let's dive in and take a look at four bold predictions for the Saints this week against the Patriots.

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Saints Week 3 Predictions

4. The Saints Sack Mac Jones Four Times

First up, New Orleans has to make pressuring Jones a point of emphasis this week. Every young quarterback will make mistakes when they are under pressure. Jones has looked great through the first two weeks, but the Saints will throw everything at him.

Not only will they be able to force him to commit mistakes, as they will come through with at least four sacks. That could lead to a huge turnover or two for the defense.

Winston and the offense are capable of putting up big numbers, but if the defense can make plays, the Saints will have a great chance to win this game. Sacking Jones four times is a big step in the right direction.

3. Alvin Kamara Racks Up 150 Total Yards, Three Scores

Last week against the Panthers, Alvin Kamara had a rough outing. He carried the football eight times for just five yards. Kamara also ended up catching four passes for 25 yards.

Those numbers will just have Kamara fired up even more to make a statement against the Patriots. We are predicting that he will total 150 yards and score three times in the game. Every time Kamara touches the ball, he's a threat to score. That will be on full display this week.

Payton and Co. need their offensive playmakers to make plays. With Michael Thomas being out due to injury, the bulk of the workload will fall on Kamara's shoulders this week. He will more than rise to the occasion for the Saints.

2. Jameis Winston Throws For 300 Yards, Two Touchdowns, No Picks

Could we really make a bold predictions article about the Saints without mentioning Jameis Winston? The answer to that question is a quick and honest, absolutely not. Winston is set to bounce back from a rough performance in a big way against the Patriots.

Winston finished the Panthers game going 11-for-22 through the air for 111 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. He did, however, score a touchdown on the ground.

With New Orleans needing a big game from their new starting quarterback, Winston will come through in convincing fashion. Winston should be able to utilize Kamara a lot throughout this game and should end up throwing for 300 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Taking care of the football should be his main priority, and once that is done the big production will come next.

1. New Orleans Moves To 2-1 With A Close Victory

No one should expect that the Saints will come in and blow out the Patriots 38-3 like they did against the Packers. However, we are predicting that New Orleans will head home at the end of the day with a big time victory.

Our prediction is that the Saints will end up winning this game by a final score of 35-28. It will be a close game, but New Orleans will make the necessary plays, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

New Orleans will be out to prove that they are a legitimate contender in the NFC this season. Winston and company will accomplish that goal with a hard-fought win over New England.