The New Orleans Saints will host the Los Angeles Rams in the preseason finale on Thursday night. Traditionally, the fourth preseason game is filled with reserves who are battling for a final spot on the 53 man roster. Both Sean Payton and Sean McVay have already stated that their starters will not play in this game.
Both teams come into this game with a 2-1 record through their first three preseason games. The Los Angeles Rams lost the preseason opener to the Baltimore Ravens before defeating the Oakland Raiders and Houston Texans. The Saints defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Chargers, and also lost to the Arizona Cardinals. The New Orleans Saints are -5.5 over the Rams in this game.
Rams Still Waiting On Donald
The Los Angeles Rams are still waiting for stud defensive end Aaron Donald to show up to camp. Head coach Sean McVay spoke with Donald earlier this week, and expressed optimism that Donald will be ready to go for the season opener. The Rams brought in Aqib Talib and NDamukong Suh in the offseason to help shore up their defense.
The Rams are keeping their top two quarterbacks out for Thursday night’s season finale. Brandon Allen will start at quarterback from the Rams with Luiz Perez backing him up. Neither Allen or Perez is expected to make the Rams 53 man roster, and the Los Angeles offense should struggle to put up points on Thursday night against the Saints.
Saints Trying to Find Backup QB
The New Orleans Saints have yet to settle on a backup quarterback and will use the final preseason game as an audition. Both Tom Savage and Tysom Hill have had shining moments this preseason, and the competition will likely be decided this weekend. Savage has the inside track to win the job, but Hill has some skills that are intriguing to the Saints.
The Saints have averaged more than 26 points per game this preseason, and the trend should continue on Thursday night. Sean Payton’s teams have always had a great offensive attack, and they will have a plan ready for Thursday night. Look for the Saints to put up a ton of points against the reserves from the Rams on Thursday.
Saints Win Preseason Finale
It’s hard to get a good gauge on how the games will play out in week four of the preseason, but this one feels like it should go the Saints way. The Rams have a chance to be the best team in the NFC this season, but they don’t have incredible depth on their roster. Los Angeles doesn’t have a ton to play for this game, and that will hurt their chances.
The fact that the Saints will be using this game to decide on a backup quarterback is a big reason to bet on them. Both Savage and Hill will want to produce in this game to try and earn the backup role. Look for the Saints offense to look sharp and roll to a victory in this game. Bet New Orleans -5.5 over the Rams.
