Free Picks: Los Angeles Chargers vs New Orleans Saints, Week 5

The Los Angeles Chargers are coming off a loss in Week 4 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which was a game they could’ve and probably should’ve won. Meanwhile, the Saints try to continue their hot streak. Justin Herbert has looked great for the Chargers and may surprise the Saints this weekend, but the Saints will most likely see the return of their star wide receiver Michael Thomas. As if they needed any more firepower on offense.

The Los Angeles Chargers have been a mystery so far this year.

After starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor went down with an injury, rookie Justin Herbert was thrust into the starting lineup. He’s played pretty well, but unfortunately it hasn’t translated into winning games. Truthfully, they probably only have a win to their name because they were able to face the dismal Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1.

Injuries have ravaged the Chargers on the defensive side, and they are middle-of-the-pack when it comes to rush defense, ranking 15th overall. That’s not an encouraging thought, especially when you consider Saint’s running back Alvin Kamara, who is absolutely destroying opposing NFL defenses.

The Saints may also get Michael Thomas back this week after he’s missed the last three games with a high ankle sprain. This is a huge boost to an already dangerous offense, as his return means more options on offense and less predictability.

Luckily for the Chargers, the Saints are pretty bad defensively as they rank in the bottom 10 in overall defense. Even with lockdown CB Marshon Lattimore shadowing WR Keenan Allen, Herbert will have plenty of opportunities to get his offense going, but this game may get out of hand before the Chargers can blink. 888sport has the Saints favoured by -8.0 (1.91). I feel pretty good betting that the Saints can take this one by more than one score.

FREE PICKS: SAINTS COVER THE SPREAD -8.0

• Los Angeles is 2-4 SU in their last 6 against New Orleans
• New Orleans is 13-6 ATL in their last 19 games
• New Orleans is 11-1 SU in their last 12 games against an AFC opponent
• The OVER has cashed in 5 of Los Angele’s last 6 games on the road