It’s rookie versus a seasoned veteran on Monday Night Football when Justin Herbert and the Chargers visit Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints. Both teams need the win as L.A. is 1-3, but the Saints are just 2-2.
Something to note about the Chargers is that each of their three losses was within a touchdown, including a three-point loss to the Chiefs. Los Angeles could be one of the most underrated teams in the NFL.
New Orleans hasn’t looked their best this year, an uncharacteristic 34-24 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders is a clear indication of that. Following up that defeat with another loss to the Packers, it’s safe to say that the Saints haven’t really kicked it into gear just yet.
With a win over L.A., New Orleans can start to put together a winning streak. Oddsmakers are expecting just that as the Saints come in as nearly 9-point favorites.
Herbert Ready To Claim A Primetime Win
Herbert has had an up-and-down start to his rookie season after stepping in for an injured Tyrod Taylor. Costly turnovers spoiled what could’ve been his first win as a starter last week, but redemption lies ahead with a win over the Saints.
The Chargers are +9 point underdogs on Monday Night Football, but they like that situation. When Los Angeles has been the underdogs, they’ve gone 2-0. Each of the Chargers’ three losses has been within seven points.
My only concern is the injuries piling up on the sideline for Los Angeles, who have lost RB Austin Ekeler. Joshua Kelly takes over primary rushing duties, but he has fumbled in two-straight games.
The Chargers have looked solid against great teams like the Chiefs. In that 23-20 week two overtime loss, Herbert threw for over three-hundred yards. Knowing that they can put together drives as they did against the Buccaneers and the Chiefs, I wouldn’t write the Chargers off so quickly.
Brees Not Firing On All Cylinders
Most of the Saints woes are due to injuries, but that’s also no excuse for some of the lackluster football they’ve played through the first month of the season. New Orleans’ two wins were expected, as they came against Tampa Bay and Detroit. Brees loves the primetime spotlight, but that didn’t work out so well for fellow veteran Tom Brady on Thursday night.
The injury list for the Saints keeps piling up, as WR Michael Thomas is still listed as questionable, along with TE Jared Cook. On the defensive side of the ball, both starting defensive backs are listed as questionable. Without Janoris Jenkins and Marcus Lattimore, the Chargers passing game could thrive.
Two Teams, Equally Injured, Who’s The Best Bet?
I think both of these teams match up well, especially with the injuries they’ve suffered throughout the beginning of this season. That being said, the Chargers have shown how competitive they can be even against teams like the Chiefs. Joshua Kelley, even with his fumbles in previous games, has run the ball efficiently and the Chargers can test their run offense against the Saints defense.
The Saints have shown flashes of good football but with the injuries on the offensive and defensive side of the ball, I expect the Los Angeles Chargers to keep this game very close and perhaps pull off the upset.
