New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Chargers odds, expert tips, how to watch: The Chargers are the heavy favorites over the struggling Saints

The Los Angeles Chargers and New Orleans Saints meet on Sunday after both teams lost in Week 7.

The odds show that the Chargers are the favorites, especially because the Saints have trouble at the quarterback position. Rookie Spencer Rattler will make his third straight start following Derek Carr's injury. Last year's rookie quarterback Jake Haener will be the understudy. Few quarterbacks drafted in the fifth round (like Rattler) or drafted in the fourth round (like Haener) adapt to the NFL quickly (or at all).

But while the Saints are on a five-game losing streak, they are fifth in red zone scoring percentage since Carr's loss.

Jim Harbaugh would like to make his team the “Michigan of Southern California,” and the Chargers offensive lineman lives up to that billing. The offense is averaging 116 yards per game on the ground, 20 yards more than last season. Still, the Chargers often get embarrassed in the red zone; The Bolts have an expected points loss of -12 due to rushing.

A great kicker is a wonderful weapon, but victories in this league are won by celebrating in the end zone. Harbaugh's team has scored just nine touchdowns in six games. While the Chargers do an excellent job of retaining the ball (only four turnovers, third in the NFL), they too often settle for three instead of six, seven or eight.

The outcome of this game may depend on fundamentals and special teams. The Chargers were penalized for the third-fewest yards in the league, while the Saints are the second-worst punt and eighth-worst punt coverage team.

All odds from BetMGM. Looking for NFL tickets? Find them here.

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New Orleans Saints vs Los Angeles Chargers odds

How to watch Saints vs. Chargers

• Venue: SoFi Stadium – Inglewood, California.
• Time: 4:05 p.m. ET
• TV: FOX
• Streaming: Fubo (try for free)

Expert tips for Saints vs. Chargers

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(Photo by Justin Herbert: Christian Petersen / Getty Images)