The Los Angeles Chargers (1-3) travel to New Orleans to take on the Saints (2-2) in an out of conference matchup. Both teams have struggled through the first four games due to tough schedules, so a Monday night win could get them back on track.
Los Angeles Chargers
Rookie quarterback Justin Herbert had a stellar performance against Tom Brady and the Buccaneers last week, throwing for 290 yards and three touchdowns. The two plays of the game for the Chargers were upwards of 70 yards. Cornerback Michael Davis took an interception 78 yards for a touchdown in the first half and later in the game Herbert connected with rookie wide receiver Jalen Guyton for a 72-yard touchdown.
The main storyline from week 4 for Los Angeles was the devastating injury to Austin Ekeler. He suffered a hamstring injury early in the game and will miss at least six weeks on Injured Reserve. Other notable injuries include Bryan Bulaga, Joey Bosa, and Mike Williams. Bulaga was ruled out while Bosa and Williams are both listed as questionable.
The Chargers are banged up, but their offense has enough firepower to hang around with the Saints and pull off the upset.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints were one of the Super Bowl favorites entering the season, however, defensive struggles and injuries have resulted in a mediocre 2-2 start.
The one bright spot for the Saints has been Alvin Kamara. Through the first four games, he leads the league with 557 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns. Kamara has already proven he’s worth the five-year, $75 million extension he signed this offseason.
Last week, the Saints ran all over the Detroit Lions and won 35-29. Despite only winning by six, New Orleans was in control for the entirety of the second half. Kamara and his running mate Latavius Murray combined for 143 yards and three touchdowns on 33 carries.
The biggest injury concern for the Saints is with Pro-Bowl wide receiver Michael Thomas, who missed the last three games with an ankle sprain. They are hopeful he’ll be able to return after practicing in a limited fashion this week.
The Chargers lead the all-time series 7-5, although the Saints have won four of the last five matchups between the two.
Game Info
Date: October 12, 2020
Start Time: 8:15 P.M. est
Location: New Orleans, LA
Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Superdome
TV Info: ESPN
Betting Odds Sponsored by Jazz Sportsbook
Point Spread: LAC +8.5 (-110) | NO -8.5 (-110)
Moneyline: LAC +315 | NO -415
Over/Under: O 50.5 (-110) | U 50.5 (-110)
Due to New Orleans’ struggles on defense and Los Angeles’s solid offense, the Saints won’t likely cover the spread in this one.
Both teams have combined for just over 50 points per game this year, so be hesitant to take the over.
Prediction
Both teams have tons of playmakers on each side of the ball, so it should be a very entertaining game. However, if Michael Thomas is healthy enough to play, Drew Brees should be able to pick apart the Chargers banged-up secondary. The Chargers will keep it close, but a game-winning field goal from Wil Lutz will give the Saints their third win of the season.
Final Score: Los Angeles Chargers 24, New Orleans Saints 27
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Main Image Credit: Embed from Getty Images
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