Chargers Saints Betting – Daniel Is Chasing More Big Numbers For New Orleans
What’s the secret to being successful in the realm of NFL preseason betting? Finding a reliable midgame performer, a second-stringer who can light up the scoreboard when an exhibition contest winds its way to the finish line. The New Orleans Saints may or may not defend their NFC and Super Bowl championships this season, but when they host the San Diego Chargers this Friday night at the Superdome in the Big Easy, they’ll have a few factors pointing in their direction… at least, if last week offers a legitimate basis for judgment.
NFL Betting: San Diego Chargers @ New Orleans Saints
Why To Bet On The Chargers
The Chargers, unlike the first few teams the Saints have played in the preseason, might be able to defend with added expertise and success. Coordinator Ron Rivera oversees one of the better defenses in football, and it’s worth noting that the Chargers have always been the one team that has been able to contain Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. Rivera’s mixed looks, disguised coverages, and variegated blitzes have not been easy for opposing quarterbacks to figure out in the modern-day NFL, and if Peyton Manning can appear indecisive in the face of San Diego’s defense, Drew Brees – the reigning Super Bowl MVP – can also be thrown for a loop. The Chargers’ defense has allowed just 24 points in two preseason games (Dallas scored a safety in a 16-14 win over the Chargers on Saturday night), so the New Orleans fun machine might grind to a halt this Friday.
Why To Bet On The Saints
The limitation placed on the Chargers’ defense – albeit within the context of this exhibition game, which is not played the way a normal (regular season) game is played – is that Ron Rivera’s front line starters won’t be on the gridiron for the duration. After halftime (if not late in the second quarter), the reserves will enter the proceedings, and this is when New Orleans can take advantage. Backup quarterback Chase Daniel lit up the Houston Texans last weekend, hitting 15 of 21 passes for 182 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. That’s a grown man’s NFL game for a half-decent quarterback accompanied by a solid rushing attack. Daniel wowed Sean Payton and the rest of the Saints’ offensive braintrust. It’s true that Brees led New Orleans to a 14-0 lead, but Daniel’s exploits enabled the Saints to outscore the Texans (24-20) when Brees wasn’t in the contest. New Orleans’ second-half offense has been far better than San Diego’s in the preseason. This is a very good reason to tab the Saints.
How The Game Will Play Out
The Chargers and starting quarterback Philip Rivers might play Brees to a standstill in the first one and a half quarters, but San Diego – having to make a cross-country flight and then play on a short week (five days between games instead of six) – might get jelly-legged in the second half. Daniel will take advantage and shred the backups in the Charger secondary. Take New Orleans in this nationally-televised (CBS) contest.
