Los Angeles Chargers Vs. New Orleans Saints Betting Preview, Picks & Odds
With just one win so far, but with the 4th most difficult schedule, the Chargers (1-3 SU, 31-ATS)face, in this week edition of Monday Night Football, the Saints ( 2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS) who are seeing the Seahawks and the Packers slowly breaking away at the top of the NFC. The LA team has become somewhat of a specialist playing against the spread in the past year and we can expect them to put up a decent challenge for Brees and co.
Line Movement
New Orleans has been -9 favorites at one point last week, but their frequent inability to cover the spread lately has scared their backers a bit and the line now is at -7.5 or -8 depending on a sportsbook. The total opened at 52 and even more at some bookies, but has settled at 50.
Thoughts on Los Angeles
Rookie Justin Herbert has been promoted to the starting spot on Thursday and we’ll see if it will add some pressure on the young QB or provide him some extra confidence. Even though he lead the team to 3 losses in the last 3 games, Herbert has put up a string of more than decent performances. The passing attack will be the key for the Chargers to hang against the Saints, especially since the leading rusher Austin Ekeler is out injured.
From the fantasy perspective, Herbert, who went toe-to-toe with Tom Brady last week, could be in for an even better performance against the Saints defense who have already allowed 11 passing touchdowns this season. Another player to watch is RB Joshua Kelley who should get a lot of chances this week with Ekeler out. Star WR Keenan Alen had 28 catches and has been targeted 41 since Herbert took over and that kind of volume should even increase on Monday.
Thoughts on New Orleans
After ending their two-game losing streak in Detroit, the Saints are entering the Monday Night Football with plenty of confidence. Drew Breese has been much improved, even without star receiver Michale Thomas, and the running game was on point. The depleted defense has struggled in the last three games and with will have to step up their game in order to contain Justin Herbert and Keenan Alen.
As it has been the case throughout the whole season, RB Alvin Kamara is the No1 fantasy option on the Saints roster. Last week, Kamara has converted only 1 of 4 carries inside the 10 yards but that is more than 50% on those chances this season. watch out for Michael Thomas’ status, since his eventual return would sink the fantasy valuer of two other receivers Tre’ Quan Smith and Emmanuel Sanders. If Thomas remains out, Smith could be a good pick, proving last week that he has the ability to score despite his often annoying inconsistency.
Monday Night Football Betting Pick: Chargers +7.5
Brees usually enjoys prime-time games, but this time it will be without the support of passionate New Orleans crow. Herbert and his team have proven, even in losses, that they have the ability to hang even against the best teams in the league.
