New Orleans at Houston

New Orleans comes off a 34-22 loss at New England but the Saints have covered the number three of the last four years in Game 2 of the preseason and Sean Payton is 21-17 ATS in exhibition play. Drew Brees played a series and completed his only pass attempt for 37 yards. Luke McCown took over and was 18 of 27 for 143 yards with an interception and a touchdown. Garrett Grayson was 10 of 16 for 133 yards and a pick. Payton sounds as if he's serious about improvement in this game as he was clearly distressed with the Saints' four turnovers against the Patriots. Also, the Saints remember two losses to Houston last year, including one in preseason. Bill O'Brien is 4-4 straight-up and ATS his two years as Texans coach and they lost at home 14-10 to Denver at home in the second week of preseason last year. Houston's defense gave up 236 rushing yards on Sunday and there were several missed tackles. Also, defensive stalwart J.J. Watt is out until late September as he recovers from a back injury. Tom Savage was 14 of 24 for 168 yards and Brock Osweiler was four of seven for 27 yards. Osweiler appeared to have a lot of work to do before he gets used to the new offense and becomes the starter in the regular season. The Texans gained only 94 yards on the ground on 29 carries and they scored one of their touchdowns on a 41-yard fumble return. New Orleans is 6-0 ATS in preseason as at least a three-point underdog. Look for New Orleans to bounce back with fewer mistakes, so play the Saints.