Chargers Installed As 7.5 Point Underdogs @ Saints On MNF

The Los Angeles Chargers will occupy a prime time slot for the first time in 2020 as they head to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome to take on the 2-2 New Orleans Saints on Monday night.

LA fell to 1-3 on Sunday as it blew a 24-7 lead over the Tampa Bay Buccanneers. The momentum shifted when the Chargers opted not to run out the clock and take a 17-point lead into half-time, and instead, the Bucs reduced the deficit to 10 through Mike Evans and went on to win 38-31.

Equally as disappointing as the Chargers’ collapse was the injury to running back Austin Ekeler, who is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a hamstring problem and a hyperextended knee.

Ekeler joins a long list of names on the injury list in LA, but despite the issues that are mounting for Anthony Lynn, fans can be encouraged by the performances of rookie Justin Herbert.

The 22-year-old had two 50+ yard touchdown passes on Sunday and is making the most of his opportunity. Coach Lynn, however, is yet to declare the former Oregon star as his number one quarterback.

Given the Chargers’ absentees and their inability to close out games, it is easy to see why betting sites have favored the Saints by 7.5 points. That said, LA has been able to keep all of its games close thus far, even against the Kansas City Chiefs, who needed overtime to get the job done at the new SoFi Stadium.

Last week, the line for the Chargers vs Buccaneers game opened at 4.5 and had moved to 7.5 by kickoff, meaning that LA covered by losing 38-31. Against the spread, the Chargers are 2-1-1 this season, with the only push coming in the opening week victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Saints, meanwhile, are 2-2 both against the spread and in real terms, in what has been a fairly underwhelming start to their campaign.

When the Detroit Lions took a 14-0 lead over New Orleans on Sunday, the Saints’ season threatened to spiral out of control, but Sean Payton’s men rallied to put up 35 unanswered points and demonstrated how devastating they can be on offense.

That offensive prowess is a big reason why the over/under total points line has been set at 52 for Monday Night Football. It is the first time it has been set above 50 for any Chargers game this year, and considering that every Saints game has seen 57 or more points this term and LA was in a 69-point shootout on Sunday, you can see why taking the over might be an attractive proposition for bettors.

The total Chargers points line is set at 22, while the Saints are at 29.5. Of course, with Tyrod Taylor close to a return, these lines could change depending on who Lynn decides to go with.

For those looking to back LA on the money line, the odds are set at +280. New Orleans is a strong favorite at -370, which is the shortest price it has been to win any game this season.

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