New Orleans (0-0) at New England (0-0), Thursday, 7:30 p.m. EDT, Sports.com Line: New England -1.5 Total: 35.5
The reigning Super Bowl champs travel to New England to take on a franchise that knows a few things about winning Super Bowls. If familiarity indeed builds contempt, then this preseason tilt could have some fireworks as the Saints and Patriots are conducting joint practices this week in preparation for this matchup. Las Vegas Odds

Among the storylines in Patriots camp is the presence of Wes Welker after undergoing reconstructive knee surgery in the offseason. Welker (NFL-best 123 receptions in 2009) appears on course to make an immediate impact again this season.

The Saints humiliated the Patriots on a Monday night in the Superdome last season as the porous Patriots defense had no answer for Drew Brees and his arsenal of offensive weapons. Look for the Saints to take advantage of a defense that remains a work in progress. Vegas Odds

FoxSheets show the Saints to be a solid play in this one: NEW ORLEANS is 16-4 ATS (+11.6 Units) in a road game where the total is between 35.5 and 38 points since 1993. The average score was NEW ORLEANS 19.2, OPPONENT 19.4 – (Rating = 2*).