The Chargers return home to face the Saints on Sunday, Oct. 27, at 1:05 p.m. PT.
To get you prepped for the Week 8 bout, here are five key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the matchup.
How things are going…
The Saints are 2-5 on the season. New Orleans has lost its last five games.
Rookie under center
The Saints announced they’re starting first-year quarterback Spencer Rattler for the third straight week. Rattler was thrown in as the starter when Derek Carr sustained an oblique injury in Week 5. This will be Rattler’s first game on the road. The former South Carolina product has completed 62.7% of his passes for 415 yards with one touchdown to two interceptions.
Could be getting some key players back
Aside from being without Carr, the Saints were without some other important offensive players last weekend against the Broncos. Wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion) and tight end Taysom Hill (ribs), who were both out in Week 7, returned to full participation at practice Thursday. Additionally, guard Cesar Ruiz and linebacker Pete Werner were present for practice.
Run all over
The Chargers struggled to run the football last Monday. However, there is an excellent opportunity for a bounce-back performance against a Saints defense that is allowing 146.7 yards rushing per game and 5.4 yards per carry. Since Week 3, New Orleans has allowed 901 yards on the ground, the most in the NFL in that span.
Look out for…
Running back Alvin Kamara. Cardinals RB James Connor had his way with the Chargers defense. Now, Los Angeles will prepare for another one of the league’s better backs. Kamara is a dual-threat weapon who’s posted 690 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns.
