The 1-3 Los Angeles Chargers take a long flight to New Orleans for a Monday Night showdown with the .500 Saints in the Superdome. The Chargers are now led by rookie Justin Herbert at QB and have shown to be dangerous even in losses. The Saints are very desperate for a win themselves.
New Orleans is a 7-point home favorite with the Moneyline for a SU win at -340. The Chargers are +270 Moneyline underdogs with an over/under for this contest at 50 points.
Defined by Inconsistency
New Orleans has looked like an NFC favorite at times this year, unfortunately for Saints fans this team is also marred by inconsistency. This has made the Saints a very tough team to wager on this season. .
The Saints’ offensive attack led by Alvin Kamara is starting to improve. The offense never found a rhythm in the first couple weeks of play, but against the Lions in week 4 they showed their dynamic potential.
Even if the stats don’t show it, Kamara is a top back in football because of his ability to do everything a team could ask of a running back. When the offensive line has given him a little room to work with, he’s been unstoppable. He’s also been a serious threat in the passing game so look out for him Monday night.
A Pleasant Surprise
Ever since Tyrod Taylor was knocked out of the lineup after having his lung accidentally punctured by a Charger’s athletic trainer, Herbert has taken control of this L.A. team. The former Oregon Duck has blown away his rookie expectations in his first couple of starts.
Herbert shined last week against Tampa Bay, throwing for 300 yards and 3 touchdowns. In that game, the Chargers defense didn’t hold up their end as the Buccaneers were able to notch the 38-31 win.
The standings may not show it, but this is a talented Chargers football team in all facets of the game. Their only win so far was a victory over the Bengals, but they gave the Chiefs and the Buccaneers, two solid teams, everything they could handle. Every Chargers loss has been within 7 points this season.
The Picks
I love the Chargers at +7. I think they’ve shown that they can play with top teams in the league. Herbert is looking for the defining win of his rookie season, which he almost got in Week 2 against Kansas City.
Taking down Drew Brees and the Saints would be huge for the Chargers entire franchise, but it won’t come easy. If the Saints show up and play inconsistently like we have seen this season, there’s no reason why the Chargers can’t cover +7, if not get the outright underdog win.
L.A. needs to neutralize Kamara, because he is the biggest threat on the Saints with Michael Thomas out again with an ankle injury. If the Chargers take away Kamara’s ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, Brees will no longer have his safety valve.
I believe a big upset will take place in the Superdome Monday night. I’m taking the Chargers at +270 and over 50 points.
