This week's NFL preseason games end with Saints vs. Chargers at SoFi Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The sportsbooks see this as a close contest with the Saints as one-point favorites at the time of writing.
The Chargers are in desperate need of good news following the Rashawn Slater injury, while the Saints have named their starting quarterback for this game. You can watch the game on NFL Network from 4:05 p.m. ET.
Let's get into my Saints vs Chargers prediction and my NFL predictions for this Week 1 preseason clash.
Saints vs Chargers Odds
| Saints Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1 +100 | 36.5 -115o / -105u | -115 |
| Chargers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1 -120 | 36.5 -115o / -105u | -105 |
- Saints-Chargers Point Spread: Saints -1 (+100) · Chargers +1 (-120)
- Saints-Chargers Total: Over/Under 36.5 (-115o /-105u)
- Saints-Chargers Moneyline: Saints -115 · Chargers -105
NFL Picks: Preseason Week 1
When betting the NFL, it's always worth remembering that old saying "knowledge is power," and that's even more important during preseason, when mystery surrounds first-string snap counts and the depth charts. Thankfully, both Jim Harbaugh and Kellen Moore have told us their plans at quarterback, which makes this game easier to project.
The world will be watching the Saints this year, with excitement around Kellen Moore and his ability to step up into a new head coach role.
In his previous life as an offensive coordinator, he's had Dak Prescott, Justin Herbert and Jalen Hurts at his disposal, a level of talent he doesn't have in the Saints' QB room.
There's competition for the starting spot since Derek Carr retired.
Spencer Rattler will start Sunday, after giving the best performance among quarterbacks in camp. Given that he's 0-6 as a starter in the NFL, it's fair to say that rookie Tyler Shough has a chance at that job, and we'll see both in action on Sunday, alongside Jake Haener and Hunter Dekkers.
On the other sideline, the Chargers know their franchise quarterback, but Herbert will be rested here. Instead, the team will start Taylor Heinicke, who'll play "at least two [drives], maybe more" per Harbaugh.
The bulk of the play time will go to Trey Lance, drafted third overall in 2021, while DJ Uiagalelei will likely enter the game in the fourth quarter as he did in the Hall of Fame game.
The big question for the Chargers is how they'll keep their quarterback upright this season with Rashawn Slater's torn patellar tendon putting him out for the year. That means a reshuffle on the offensive line that will see Joe Alt move to left tackle.
How much the first-string OL will play on Sunday remains a mystery, but the team needs to figure out the OL problem, and will give others a chance to step up and cement a place on the team.
Saints vs Chargers Predictions
While the offensive line is a huge problem, this game will come down to who is under center, and the Chargers have more talent at quarterback than the Saints, even with Herbert out.
Heinicke may not be at the level of an NFL starter, but he can ball out at times. Trey Lance didn't look out of place against the Lions, completing 13 of 20 passing attempts for 120 yards and two touchdowns.
Harbaugh goes into every game looking to win, as evidenced by his 12-8 preseason record, and his team should have enough to move to 2-0 this preseason since they are facing a Saints team who don't look like they have a legitimate NFL starting quarterback on their roster.
Pick: Chargers ML (-105, BetMGM)
How to Watch Saints vs Chargers
| Location: | SoFi Stadium |
| Date: | Sunday, August 10 |
| Kickoff Time: | 4 p.m. ET |
Saints vs Chargers will be live from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 10.
