Brady - can guide the Patriots to victory.

By David John

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	3pts New England (+3) to beat New Orleans at 5/6 (extrabet).	Two top teams locking horns and Pats can edge to victory.

We have to wait until Monday night for the big clash on week 12 in the NFL when New Orleans face the acid test as their unbeaten record is on the line against New England in Louisiana.

The visitors know exactly what it feels like to e in the same position as the Saints having recorded their perfect 16-0 record a couple of years ago.

Although remaining in pole position in the AFC East will be the focus for the Patriots, the subplot is that Tom Brady and the rest will be keen to derail New Orleans before they get within hailing distance of the standard they set.

So how is this one going to play out?

The Pats had the chance to halt another unbeaten team a couple of weeks ago when they took on the Colts but they squandered a big lead in the final four minutes to go down 35-34.

They get the chance to make amends under similar conditions in a dome and a defeat would be best avoided with the Dolphins edging themselves back into the running for the division.

The Patriots inability to keep the Colts out of the end zone is a worry as they take on a team that is the most explosive in the league and averages nearly 37 points per game.

Quarterback Drew Brees has joined the elite in his position now and he boasts two major strengths.

Firstly, a vast array of scoring targets that has seen 12 different players get into the end zone.

Secondly, a tremendous ability to read and analyse opposing defences.

Bill Belichick is sure to mix up his defensive strategy in a bid to get Brees off balance but it was noticeable how they wore down in the closing stages against the Colts once the Jim Caldwell's team scented victory.

If the Saints offence is explosive then the Pats don't trail too far behind.

Brady is back to his very best now while Randy Moss and Wes Welker are at times virtually unplayable.

Where they do lack is in the running game with Fred Taylor and Sammy Morris sidelined.

Laurence Maroney has his moments while Kevin Faulk is reliable but neither at the moment have the game-breaking ability of Pierre Thomas or Reggie Bush - the latter is expected to be back in the line-up.

This is a very tough game to call and in such a situation I much prefer to be in receipt of a point or two - it paid off despite the Patriots losing in Indianapolis.

New England have lost just once in the Superdome and it can pay to stay loyal with the field goal on the handicap just tipping the balance narrowly in their favour.

Whatever the outcome, it should be a tremendous game.