The Los Angeles Chargers return to action today for their second preseason game, hosting the New Orleans Saints after a dominant 34-7 Hall of Fame Game win over the Detroit Lions.
Trey Lance threw for 120 yards and two touchdowns while adding eight rushing yards. DJ Uiagalelei also impressed, and the offense showed depth at running back, spreading the ball to 15 different targets.
The real story, however, was the defense — limiting Detroit to 197 total yards, forcing three interceptions, and committing just three penalties all game.
New Orleans is still searching for a starting quarterback. Rookie Spencer Rattler is expected to open, with Taylor Shough and Jake Haener also in contention.
Taylor Heinicke will start for the Chargers before giving way to Lance. With proven QB depth and a defense already in form, Los Angeles is well-positioned to exploit the Saints’ uncertainty under center.
Let’s dig in before heading to the top-rated sportsbooks.
New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Sunday, August 10, 2025 – 04:00 PM EDT at SoFi Stadium
It’s Spencer Rattler’s Job To Lose
At this point, it looks like Spencer Rattler is in the lead for the No. 1 quarterback job for the Saints. He’s competing against rookie Tyler Shough and Jake Haener in the preseason.
That said, these are some really important reps for the Saints’ quarterbacks throughout the preseason. But it’s just not looking good for this team on paper.
Neither quarterback has pulled away, which means neither has shown enough so far to be a lead candidate. Rattler threw more interceptions than touchdowns last season for the Saints and had a QBR of 40.3.
Plus, the Chargers made the Lions’ quarterbacks look silly. Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen of the Lions are arguably better quarterbacks than any of the three Saints’ players, and those two struggled badly, throwing a combined three interceptions against the Chargers.
Rattler might be the best of the three for the Saints, but none stand out. That’s for sure.
It’s Heinicke’s Time To Shine!
Taylor Heinicke will get his first reps with the Los Angeles Chargers.
He took a backseat to Trey Lance last weekend, but he’ll get his shot today. Ultimately, those two are fighting for the No. 2 spot, but it’s likely both will make the roster once it’s all said and done.
That said, it’s likely DJ Uiagalelei will play the bulk of this game after Heinicke. He didn’t do much for the Chargers last week, but he didn’t have to. The defense made numerous key plays, and he came into the game with a significant lead.
The Chargers feel confident no matter who they’ve got out there. In addition, Los Angeles showed off their depth last week when playing the Lions. They’ll surely have more depth than the Saints, who might be the worst team in the league this season.
That said, let’s take a chance with the Los Angeles Chargers priced around 2.5 at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review).
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