Ahhh, the Patriots in New Orleans.

It never changes, no matter how many years removed. The franchise has played three Super Bowls there — all as underdogs — the first being a disaster in 1986, the second being close but no cigar in 1997, and of course the biggest and best one with current coach Mike Vrabel winning his first Super Bowl ring in February of 2002. Then there’s the night in the 2009 regular season on a Monday night when Bill Belichick told Tom Brady he just couldn’t get the Patriots to play the way he wanted as they were getting blown out.

But while a tough place to play, the SuperDome isn’t home to a good football team.And this is the Patriots first stop on a run that should have them, record-wise, among the AFC’s best teams by December.

Let’s see how that all works out.

Meanwhile, we need a bounce-back week after going 3-4. We got the last second field goal right in the Patriots game – just the wrong team. Unacceptable to be below .500. Here’s our redemption:

PATRIOTS 34, SAINTS 14

It may not be to the extent of the Carolina blowout, because it’s on the road. But after perhaps a slow start, the Patriots will take control, whether corner Christian Gonzalez plays or not. The Saints won last week for a simple reason — the Giants turned it over five times. That won’t happen today with the Patriots.

BRONCOS 17, JETS 13

Another Sunday morning game for us across the pond. Strange things happen in these overseas games, and the Jets have played teams tough. Denver’s a good team, but things don’t come easy for Bo Nix & Co. Sorry Aaron Glenn, you are the same old Jets and the Broncos prevail as you go 0-6.

CHARGERS 30, DOLPHINS 23

Miami is playing just well enough to lose, but what happened last weekend in blowing a lead to the Titnas is the biggest nail in Mike McDaniel’s coffin. Chargers need this, even though McDaniel and the Fish need it more.

BUCS 27, NINERS 17

The Mac Jones bubble finally bursts. Jones was dealing with knee and oblique boo-boos, so that will be the excuse to limit the Mac Attack. He’ll be blitzed like crazy anyway and we know how that works. Baker Mayfield is thriving under new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard. It’ll be a Grizzard Blizzard.

COMMANDERS 30, BEARS 17

Jayden Daniels is back and all is right in the Washington world. The 2-2 Bears have been awful defensively, giving up over 29 points a game.

RAMS 23, RAVENS 17

Wow, things are collapsing all around Ravens coach John Harbaugh. Not only have they missed their quarterback Lamar Jackson – he’s out again this week – but defensively they are giving up 35 points a game. Yes, you read correctly. That’s where the Ravens struggles really exist. Ugh.

LIONS 30, CHIEFS 24

Another example of how the mighty have fallen. The Chiefs bumbled their way into a loss at Jacksonville last Monday night, and now they’re going to have to watch the Lions roar.

Tom King may be reached at tking@nashuatelegraph.com. Also, follow King on X (@Telegraph_TomK).