Nov 17, 2019; Tampa, FL, USA; A detail view of New Orleans Saints helmet during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers vs Saints Pick, Monday Night Best Bet

If we told you New Orleans owns a 17-1 ATS trend and has also won and covered the past four seasons before a bye week, would you lean towards them in the Week 5 Monday Nighter?

The Saints, who scored on seven straight drives after going down 14-0 last week to the Detroit Lions, are 17-1 ATS over the past five seasons in October. We aren’t sure why, but we sure have profited from the ongoing money train.

Meanwhile the Los Angeles Chargers couldn’t complete their comeback against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. These teams lock up with the Saints sitting as 7.5 point favorites earlier in the week (check BetRivers for the current line). The Chargers have been a different football team under Justin Herbert and 7.5 points might be too much to give the Saints. Give me the Chargers and the points in this one.

Chargers Saints Odds, Monday Night Football Pick: Saints -7.5, Total 51 at BetRivers | Matchup Stats 

Why the Chargers will cover the spread

Herbert has exceeded expectations to start his NFL career, throwing for more than 285 yards in all three games, and has 5 TDs and 3 INTs thus far. 

The Saints pass defense has been very suspect through four weeks, allowing the 13th most yards in the league. However they have struggled in key spots, especially in the red zone. They have given up an average of 2.8 TDs per game through the air, which is 28th in the league. 

Herbert should have some decent matchups to work with, especially with TE Hunter Henry. The Saints have struggled to defend TEs, as Darren Waller had a career night against them in Week 2. 

Why the Saints will cover the spread

The Saints offense caught fire after being down 14-0 last week. The Saints scored 35 straight points, on route to a 35-29 victory over the Lions. 

The Brees to Emmanuel Sanders connection finally came to life last week, and they are going to need it again this week. It looks like Michael Thomas will be back, so expect Casey Hayward to be following him around the majority of the time.

That should open up Sanders with some favorable one on one matchups, and ignite the run game with Alvin Kamara, which has stalled without Thomas. 

Chargers Saints pick MNF Best Bet

This is another spread that I personally think is too high. That half point can loom large in this game, as the Saints have yet to win big since Week 1. The Chargers have been playing good football under Herbert, and I like them to keep this game within a touchdown. 

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