When the Saints host the Chargers in their second Monday night appearance of the season in Week 5 (8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN), they will be looking for better results against an AFC West foe. In Week 2, the Saints lost to the Raiders in Las Vegas, 34-24.
The Chargers (1-3) won a tight game at the Bengals in Week 1, but they have had tough losses to the Chiefs, Panthers and Buccaneers since despite strong play by rookie first-round QB Justin Herbert. Herbert has played well enough to keep the job for the rest of the season over Tyrod Taylor.
The Saints (2-2) rebounded from a two-game losing streak to outscore the Lions in Week 4. They are 1-1 at home, after losing to the Packers on Sunday night in Week 3.
Here's everything to know about betting on Saints vs. Chargers in Week 5, including updated odds, trends and our prediction for "Monday Night Football."
Saints vs. Chargers odds for 'Monday Night Football'
- Spread: Saints by 7.5
- Over/under: 50
- Point spread odds: Chargers -103, Saints -117
The Saints have been hovering around touchdown favorites all week. The Chargers have been playing up and down to their opponents so far, with all tight one-possession losses. The Saints won by 11 at home in Week 1, but they don't have the same advantage in the dome without the typical intimidating crowd noise.
Saints vs. Chargers all-time series
The Chargers lead 7-5 in their limited interconference history of a dozen games. This will be the fourth time Brees will face his former team. The Saints have won all three previous revenge games, 37-32 in London in 2008, 31-24 in New Orleans in 2012 and 35-34 in San Diego in 2016.
Three trends to know
— 52 percent of bettors like the Saints to cover the spread at home like they did in Week 1. The Chargers, however, are 2-1-1 against the spread this season.
— The Saints have covered in their two wins and were upset by both the Raiders and Packers. 100 percent of bettors are going with the Saints on the moneyline.
— 100 percent of bettors like the over. The total has gone over in all four Saints games. The total has gone over in only one Chargers game.
Three things to watch
Michael Thomas' absence
The Saints won't have their superstar wide receiver back from his ankle injury because he's being deactivated for team disciplinary reasons. The Chargers will still be without cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (foot), who joins safety Derwin James on their secondary shelf. The Chargers still have two solid corners in Casey Hayward and Desmond King. Emmanuel Sanders and rising third-year man Tre'Quan Smith will have their hands full.
Herbert on the road again
Herbert has looked good opposite Patrick Mahomes at home and stayed right with Tom Brady in a shootout in Tampa Bay last week. He should be fearless and unfazed on the other side of Brees with his energy, arm, confidence and athleticism. He also has great matchups for his veteran go-to guys, wide receiver Keenan Allen and tight end Hunter Henry.
The running committees
The Saints are looking great on the ground with the combination of Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray. The Chargers lost a big part of their offense when Austin Ekeler suffered a hamstring injury last week. Now they will turn to a 1-2 punch of rookie Joshua Kelley and former Melvin Gordon top backup Justin Jackson. The Chargers have improved against the run but struggled against the Bucs last week. The Saints have known to be rather stingy with their tough defensive front.
Stats that matter
3.6 and 4.5. The first number is how many yards per carry the Saints' defense gives up in the running game. The second number is how many yards per carry the Chargers' defense gives up in the running game. It's easy to feel that the combination of Kamara and Murray have a significant advantage over Kelley and Jackson. The wrinkle of Taysom Hill entering as the QB and running is an added edge.
Saints vs. Chargers prediction
The Chargers will use their defensive strengths to keep the game close and Herbert will get good help from Allen and Henry. But Brees will get more help from Kamara, Murray, Sanders and others in the end to grind the Saints to a comfortable lead by the fourth quarter. Brees makes his impact with a big game to help them move the ball better on third downs while Kamara and the running game puts on the finishing touches.
Saints 27, Chargers 17
