New Orleans arrives 0-1 after losing 24-20 despite carrying a 20-6 halftime lead over Jacksonville. Los Angeles opened with a controlled 20-12 victory at Kansas City. Both clubs concentrated their starter work inside joint practices this week. The Saints will again reserve Saturday for backups after three joint sessions across 10 demanding days. Sean McVay also protects established contributors during August. This game consequently belongs to competing quarterbacks, developmental linemen, and defensive backs fighting for final roster places. Below is my preview, prediction, and pick for today’s NFL preseason game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New Orleans Saints.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
Rams vs. Saints prediction, preview
Spencer Rattler, Zach Wilson, and Hunter Dekkers divided 42 attempts during the Saints’ opener. Wilson created separation, completing 11-of-16 passes for 145 yards, one touchdown, and 9.1 yards per attempt. Rattler completed eight of 11 passes for 42 yards, but his lost fumble gifted Jacksonville three points. Dekkers finished eight of 15 for 69 yards against the weakest defensive personnel. New Orleans produced 277 yards, 17 first downs, and only 24:48 possession. The ground game managed 56 yards across 16 carries. Audric Estime gained 28 yards before injuring his ankle, further thinning the backfield.
Los Angeles carries the more stable offensive ecosystem. Ty Simpson completed 21-of-25 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns during three impressive quarters. He generated 0.32 EPA per dropback and completed 14.4 percentage points above expectation. Stetson Bennett finished four of six for 38 yards across the opening two drives. Their combined 80.6% completion rate came without a turnover. Los Angeles allowed no sacks across 31 passing attempts. Max Klare caught seven passes, Brennan Presley gained 58 yards, and Dean Connors scored twice through the passing game. Those options give Simpson functional answers at every level.
The Rams permitted 321 yards but refused to allow a touchdown. Kansas City settled for four field goals and finished two of eight on third down. New Orleans encountered the opposite progression. Its defense protected the early advantage before surrendering 18 unanswered second-half points. Cornerback Jayden Price intercepted one pass without allowing a completion across three targets. He also added a pressure and pass breakup across 21 defensive snaps. Special teams could widen the scoring range. Ty Chandler returned one kickoff 86 yards, while Xavier Smith produced a 40-yard punt return for Los Angeles.
Saints vs. Rams pick, best bet
New Orleans can threaten this position through Wilson’s arm and several young receivers. Bub Means gained 77 yards, while Barion Brown added 53 during the opener. Wilson also connected with Trey Palmer for 38 yards during Thursday’s joint practice. The Saints intercepted Simpson twice, including T.J. Hall’s 70-yard return. However, Dalys Beanum injured his foot after making the other interception. Cesar Ruiz, John Ridgeway, Estime, and several rotational players also carry physical concerns. Los Angeles enters healthier, rested, and comfortably operating from home.
The market still prices New Orleans as the better reserve team despite meaningful evidence favoring Los Angeles. Simpson should command decisive second-half possessions against an exhausted traveling roster. The Rams protect the football, tackle well inside the red zone, and possess more dependable reserve blocking. McVay entered 2026 with a 15-11-1 preseason ATS record despite consistently resting starters. That history reflects functional depth and disciplined game management.
Best bet: Rams +1.5. Playable to: Rams pick’em.
Projected score: Rams 20, Saints 16.
