Patriots’ defense steadied after an early scare, bottling the Saints and limiting them to a field goal and 73 rushing yards despite missing Hawkins, White and Jennings. Top PFF marks went to Woods (88.1), Elliss (84.4), Jones (78.6), Spillane (77.2) and Woodson (77.1); Jahlani Tavai posted a bottom-five 32.0. Rattler hit Olave on a 53-yard opener, but New England locked in and sealed the win. Fantasy takeaway: the Patriots’ D remains a viable streamer, especially in run-leaning matchups, with depth capable of stepping in for injuries.

New England travels south off a primetime upset of Buffalo, led by Drake Maye’s breakout, and a defense that forced three turnovers. They face a Saints squad that leans on Spencer Rattler’s efficiency and a feisty, turnover-hungry unit, aiming to keep the game ugly and swing momentum with mistakes. Injuries haunt the Patriots’ secondary, notably Christian Gonzalez, which could invite a more conservative plan from New England. The all-time series lead sits with the Patriots (10-6), though a 34-0 loss in the last meeting underscores the risk of any overconfidence. Fantasy focal points include Maye’s continued growth, Diggs’ high-volume presence in this broader context, and Marcus Jones’ chances to cash in on opportunistic plays.

Ultimately, this is a defensive-duel flavored by young quarterback development. Saints fans will push Rattler to sustain efficient drives while trying to force turnovers on a Patriots squad short-handed in the secondary. For fantasy bettors, watch Maye’s rhythm against a disciplined Saints defense, the Saints’ ability to exploit any safety gaps, and Jones’ ceiling as a takeaway catalyst in a pivotal Week 6 contest.

Antonio Gibson lands on IR with a season-ending ACL, forcing New England to lean on depth behind Rhamondre Stevenson. The Patriots promote Terrell Jennings and Truman Jones, with Jennings stepping in as the No. 3 back behind Stevenson and rookie TreVeyon Henderson. Keion White, Anfernee Jennings, and safety Jaylinn Hawkins are sidelined, opening opportunities on both sides of the ball as the Patriots prepare for the Saints.

Jennings’ practice-squad trust hints at immediate usage, while Henderson’s rookie upside keeps fantasy managers watching the backfield closely. For New Orleans, the matchup presents a challenge to a shorthanded defense, making every snap for the Patriots’ depth pieces meaningful in fantasy lineups.

New England patched the roster ahead of the Bills game: K'Lavon Chaisson is out, Jahlani Tavai is back from IR, and Milton Williams travels with the team though limited by an ankle issue. Chaisson’s absence flags Keion White for more edge reps, potentially setting up a breakout against Josh Allen. Williams’ status adds a potential interior disruptor if he can go, while Tavai’s return stabilizes New England’s linebacker group in a must-win matchup.