Though another Monday Night Football double-header was cancelled this week due to ongoing COVID-19 complications within the league, the main matchup between the Chargers and Saints will push forward.
There is lots of intrigue surrounding this game, mostly within the Chargers’ camp as rookie quarterback Justin Herbert looks to continue his hot play this season. While initially he was slated to not feature at all in 2020, an injury to Tyrod Taylor has seen Herbert assume full control. He’s feasted on some weakened defenses, but the Saints won’t be quite as forgiving on Monday night.
Meanwhile for New Orleans, they rebounded nicely last week against the Detroit Lions to bring their record to 2-2. Though the points can still come, injuries along the defense have forced Drew Brees to throw the ball more than he’s likely comfortable with. And while the Saints are a team that loves a good shootout, not having Michael Thomas in Week 5 might make their task even more difficult.
It’s been another exciting week of NFL betting action, and this Monday night showdown offers up another prime wagering angle. Read on beneath the posted odds for more team news, a tactical breakdown, and our betting prediction for the Chargers vs. Saints here in Week 5. Enjoy Monday Night Football!
Los Angeles Chargers vs. New Orleans Saints Betting Odds:
Los Angeles Chargers +6.5 (-110)
@ New Orleans Saints -6.5 (-110)
Over 50 (-115)
Under 50 (-105)
*Betting odds provided by BetOnline.ag
Los Angeles Chargers vs. New Orleans Saints Pick:
This number has really moved over the past 48 hours, with news of Michael Thomas being disciplined by the team and sitting out for the Saints. But that’s not all – New Orleans also has a wealth of cluster injuries along their defense, that could make this game even more problematic.
The Saints are also a little banged up on the offensive line, which will put Drew Brees under duress in passing down situations. As a result, look for New Orleans to really rely on quick checkdown plays and the running game against a stout Chargers’ front.
Alvin Kamara enters Week 5 in elite form right now, dominating teams both as a runner and a pass-catcher from the backfield. He’s their engine, and might be the only option for New Orleans in Week 5. Even if the Chargers know this, stopping him remains the hard part. Los Angeles has been particularly vulnerable to pass-catching backs so far, and look for Sean Payton to try and exploit this.
Right now, Lattimore is listed as questionable and has been upgraded. Though the line shifted toward the Chargers, Lattimore returning provides a huge boost to the Saints’ stop unit. I’d argue he is worth more to the line for the Saints, than Michael Thomas is on offense.
Los Angeles also enters with some question marks of their own, specifically along the offensive line. They managed to make it work last week, though against a solid Saints’ pass rush eager to disrupt the youngster Herbert, time and space could be an issue. Los Angeles also lost dynamic running back Austin Ekeler for roughly six weeks, and there’s a huge void there as a result.
If the Chargers can’t establish any sort of run game against a tough defensive front of New Orleans, it’s going to force Herbert into a lot of 3rd-and-long and obvious drop-back situations. With a depleted offensive line, that has to be worrisome. Monitor the inactives list throughout all of Monday, but if Lattimore is good to play, the Saints covering a short price at home seems to be a solid bet.
