The NFL preseason ends for the Los Angeles Chargers and the New Orleans Saints at the Caesars Superdome on Friday night.
Each squad is looking for its first exhibition victory in this spot, so who will end their August schedule on a high? Find out in our free NFL picks and predictions for Chargers vs. Saints on Friday, August 26.
Chargers vs Saints odds
This odds widget represents the best odds available for each betting market from regulated sportsbooks.
The Saints opened as nominal consensus favorites of -1, but bettors have knocked that line down to -3 or -3.5, depending on where you look. The total was unveiled at 36.5, and most books have stuck to that number. However, some 36s and 37s can be found if one shops around.
Use the live odds widget above to track any future line movements right up until kickoff and be sure to check out the full NFL odds before placing your bets.
Chargers vs Saints predictions
Predictions made on 8/25/2022 at 1:00 p.m. ET.
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.
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Chargers vs Saints game info
• Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA
• Date: Friday, August 26, 2022
• Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET
• TV: NFL Network
Chargers at Saints betting preview
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Betting trend to know
The Under is 8-1 in the Saints’ last nine games. Find more NFL betting trends for Chargers vs. Saints.
Chargers vs Saints picks and predictions
Our side and total predictions are based upon our analysis of the line and total in this game. Our best bet is our favorite pick across all markets.
Spread analysis
Neither team has made a good impression thus far in the preseason, and that’s why taking the points with the Chargers makes the most sense.
The Saints have been rolling with third-stringer Ian Book under center for the vast majority of snaps so far, and the results have been discouraging. He’s 31 for 50 through the air for an abysmal 4.7 yards per attempt. The Notre Dame product has also tossed two interceptions, compared to just one touchdown.
Book — who’s been sacked seven times through two postseason games — didn’t exactly light the league on fire in his lone regular-season appearance last year, going 12-of-20 through the air for 135 yards with two interceptions.
The Chargers may have given up 29 and 32 points, respectively, in their first two preseason tilts, but that’s belied by the fact that their defense allowed only 237 yards per contest. Sloppy play went a long way toward L.A.’s allowing all those points, as it suffered nine penalties for 120 yards against the Rams before allowing two special teams touchdowns to the Cowboys.
If Brandon Staley’s squad can clean up its act, it should put forth an improved performance on Friday night.
With the Saints’ worries about the health of Jameis Winston and Michael Thomas as well as the looming possible suspension of Alvin Kamara, rookie head coach Dennis Allen is probably more focused on surviving the preseason rather than thriving. Take the points with the slightly more motivated Chargers.
Prediction: Chargers +3.5 (-122 at Unibet)
Over/Under analysis
Bettors should expect this preseason clash to be an ugly, defensive slugfest.
A good rushing attack will typically free up an offense and allow it to flourish, but neither the Chargers nor the Saints have had that luxury through two exhibition bouts.
L.A. running backs have managed a meager 2.7 yards per carry on 41 attempts this preseason. The Saints have been better than that, but the ground game could hardly be called a strength at this point, as their tailbacks are averaging 3.6 yards per rush.
The Bolts have not had much success piling on points in preseason contests under Staley’s guidance, accumulating only 63 points in five tries for an average of 12.6 per tilt. New Orleans has likewise struggled to score since Allen took the helm, totaling 23 points in two August affairs.
With neither team announcing if their starters will receive any playing time ahead of this contest, we have to assume that the status quo will be maintained. That means lots of reps for the second- and third-stringers and no game action for Justin Herbert or Winston.
The fact that this tilt is taking place in a dome may explain why the total is even this high. Under bettors should appreciate the extra leverage and jump right in.
Prediction: Under 37 (-110 at WynnBET)
Best bet
Some teams take the preseason seriously and try to put their best foot forward ahead of Week 1, but that doesn’t appear to be the case for the Chargers or the Saints.
The Chargers’ backup quarterbacks, Easton Stick and Chase Daniel, have averaged a modest 240 passing yards per game, which spells trouble for them against a New Orleans defense that’s allowed only 146 passing yards per game this preseason.
Combine this with a lackluster run game, and L.A. could have difficulty scratching out first downs throughout, let alone touchdowns.
Book has largely struggled to secure points for the Saints, and he’s not getting much help from his supporting cast. The Bolts’ stoppers have played better than it looks at first glance and should ensure that Under bettors prevail.
Pick: Under 37 (-110 at WynnBET)
