On Sunday afternoon, two mediocre teams that are still hoping to make it to the NFL playoffs will play each other in Los Angeles.
When facing the New Orleans Saints (2-5 SU, 3-4 ATS) and rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler, the Los Angeles Chargers (3-3 SU, 3-3 ATS) are the overwhelming favorites.
Los Angeles just lost Monday Night Football at the last second. On Thursday Night Football, the Saints lost badly.
These are our top picks and predictions for the Saints vs. Chargers NFL Week 8.
Saints vs. Chargers predictions and best bets
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Over 40.5 points:
-115 odds at BetMGM Sportsbook
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J.K. Dobbins rushing yards over 76.5:
-110 odds at bet365 Sportsbook
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Justin Herbert passing yards over 197.5:
-110 odds at bet365 Sportsbook
Given these clubs’ performances from the previous week, it’s simple to predict a low-scoring match on Sunday. This won’t be the case, according to a number of variables.
First, the Over is 33-13-2 (72%) in the last 48 games when one team (Chargers) is on least rest and the other team (Saints) is on maximum rest.
Second, two offensive lineman, TE Taysom Hill, and wide receiver Chris Olave are among the few important players who will be back for New Orleans this week. Rattler should perform significantly better than he did against Denver in the previous game.
The Saints’ defense is unlikely to improve, even though Rattler and the offense could. The opposing running backs have ripped through New Orleans. It gave up 277 running yards against Tampa Bay and 225 against Denver.
Our Dobbins selection can help with that. When healthy, Dobbins has always had some pop, and this season is no exception. The Saints’ run defense is worse than the previous run defenses he has faced, and he has rushed for at least 77 yards in three of his six games this season.
Dobbins will contribute to the Chargers’ improving offense with yet another outstanding effort.
Justin Herbert, the quarterback, did not pass the ball very often before to the Week 5 bye. He averaged 144.5 yards per game and 14.8 completions on 22.8 pass attempts.
Herbert averaged 293 yards per game and 24 completions on 36.5 pass attempts over the last two games. Why would the Chargers want Herbert, who has always been a prolific thrower, to slow down now?
When he plays New Orleans, expect him to get at least 198 throwing yards.
Saints vs. Chargers moneyline odds analysis
Why Los Angeles could win as the favorite
The best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook are -325.
The Chargers’ preferred game script will be established if they run the ball well. As was previously mentioned, there is no reason to believe that the Chargers’ running game won’t be successful.
The seven-point spread appears excessive given that the Saints anticipate an offensive boost, but LA should be able to win this game at home.
Why New Orleans could win as the underdog
BetMGM Sportsbook’s best odds are +280.
There was a reason why the Saints’ defeat to Denver appeared so terrible. They did not have TE Taysom Hill, WR Chris Olave, WR Rashid Shaheed, or OLs Cesar Ruiz and Lucas Patrick. For Sunday’s game, everyone except Shaheed is probably going to be back.
Rattler, who appeared bewildered against a formidable Broncos defense, will benefit from that. Rattler has gained significant experience in the first two games, and he could try some downfield throws to test the Chargers defense.
Derek Carr’s return will eventually be welcomed by New Orleans, but Rattler ought to be well-positioned to advance the offense on Sunday.
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