NFL Preseason Week 1 is underway as fans get their first look at their favorite teams and players in some exhibition matches.
The Saints will play their first game of the preseason, while the Chargers play their second game.
Los Angeles is a 0.5-point favorite and -112 on the moneyline on DraftKings Sportsbook. The game total is set at over/under 36.5 points.
Here’s my prediction and pick for Sunday’s Saints vs. Chargers matchup.
Saints vs. Chargers prediction
It’s a new era in New Orleans as Derek Carr retired, leaving the team without a proven quarterback. Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough lead the depth chart with Jake Haener and Hunter Dekkers also rostered.
It’s likely that one of the first two earns the starting spot in Week 1 of the regular season. That decision has yet to be made, but that’s why preseason exists. Rattler will get the start in the first preseason game against the Chargers, and Shough and Haener will likely get subsequent starts.
The rest of the position players on offense are largely unchanged. Chris Olave and Alvin Kamara headline this group and will be effective as long as they’re healthy.
The Chargers already played a preseason game, having partaken in the Hall of Fame game against the Lions. They won 34-7 with primarily backups.
Trey Lance started at quarterback, but this time it’ll be Taylor Heinicke who gets the start. Neither player will be the regular season starter as Los Angeles is sticking with Justin Herbert under center.
The big name to watch is Omarion Hampton, the rookie running back from UNC. He had just two carries for nine yards against the Lions, so it’s uncertain what kind of role he’ll have in the Week 1 preseason matchup.
Nonetheless, Hampton will be a key contributor during the regular season and someone to eye in fantasy leagues.
Saints vs. Chargers pick, best bet
This game is a pick-em as the spread is just 0.5 points and both teams have minus moneylines. It could go either way, and there isn’t much telling what to expect in preseason games.
That being said, the Chargers gave fans a preview in the Hall of Fame game. Lance started that one, and it’ll be Heinicke this time. Heinicke is a competent quarterback and will be capable of putting up points.
Rather than picking a side, I’m sticking with the over. The total is set at 36.5 points, which has consistently been surpassed in other games. The Chargers scored 34 on their own in the Hall of Fame game.
Even with backups, the over is the way to go.