The New Orleans Saints will look to snap a five-game losing streak in Week 8 when they travel to the West Coast. The Black and Gold have had an extended period to prepare for the Los Angeles Chargers, but will the extra prep be enough to close the talent gap? That's the million-dollar question.
SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California, hosts this Sunday afternoon showdown. Kickoff is slated for 3:05 p.m. CT and Fox will have the regional broadcast. Who are sportsbooks favoring in this clash?
New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Chargers odds, pick, prediction
FanDuel Sportsbook lists the Chargers as 7-point road favorites with an over/under of 40.5.
Let's dive into the odds for the highly anticipated contest:
New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Chargers
Time/TV: 3:05 p.m. CT (Fox)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler (18) fumbles the ball as he is hit by Denver Broncos linebacker Cody Barton (55) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. The Broncos recovered the fumble. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Spread (via FanDuel Sportsbook): Chargers -7
Total: 40.5
Moneyline: Chargers -335, Saints +270
Analysis: The biggest positive about New Orleans' mini-bye week is it has allowed the team to get healthy. While starting quarterback Derek Carr is listed as doubtful, most key absentees will suit up on Sunday. This includes Taysom Hill, Chris Olave, Cesar Ruiz and others.
The return of Lucas Patrick and Ruiz will help solidify the offensive line and Olave's involvement gives Spencer Rattler another weapon to target. However, the biggest keys to the offense's success — Carr, Erik McCoy and Rashid Shaheed — remain sidelined. The Saints don't stack up well against Los Angeles, especially without the aforementioned stars.
Stylistically, the Chargers are built like the Denver Broncos. They get by on offense behind a solid rushing attack and lean on the defense to carry them to wins. It's the Jim Harbaugh way — it led to success in college and has worked thus far in the NFL.
The Broncos presented a ton of problems for New Orleans, as the final score indicated. Unfortunately, I foresee much of the same in the Saints' future in this contest. It seems this team is simply going through the motions at this point, and that mentality doesn't often lead to wins.
The Spencer Rattler-led offense will continue to struggle and Los Angeles will break the Black and Gold down with a superb ground game.
Prediction: Chargers 20, Saints 9 (Under 40.5)
Best bet: Chargers -7 over Saints (-110 at FanDuel Sportsbook)
-1722184207-q80.webp "Red Sox Reрortedly In Bіddіng Wаr Wіtһ Yаnkees For All-Stаr Pіtсһer")
