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The San Diego Chargers opened up as -3 favorites on the road despite a lackluster showing to date and the fact that they are playing a team - the New Orleans Saints - who are probably playing at the same level. This game will be played in London.
The Saints may have a tougher time getting their season on track, though, as star running back Reggie Bush is injured.
New Orleans and San Diego both look to bounce back from discouraging losses and avoid the distractions of playing overseas when they meet at Wembley Stadium.
Neither the Saints (3-4) nor the Chargers (3-4) have managed to get in rhythm this year, but New Orleans' season may have taken a turn for the worst last Sunday as Bush sustained cartilage damage in his knee in a 30-7 loss to Carolina.
Bush, who has 660 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns on the season, had surgery on his left knee Monday instead of traveling with the team to London. It's unclear how long he'll be out.
"He has been a big part of what we have been able to do offensively and it's an injury that we have to deal with," Saints coach Sean Payton said.
Past history between these two teams does not provide enough of a glimpse into what could occur here. The fact that this game is being played overseas makes it an especially difficult one in which to bet.
If you must wager on this game - and we don't recommend it - some important stats in which to consider:
The Chargers are 20-6-3 ATS in their last 29 games following a Straight Up loss. They are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games in October. San Diego is also 42-18-3 ATS in their last 63 games on grass.
New Orleans are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS loss.
The Sagarin Ratings have San Diego only able to win by a single point in this scenario where the two teams are on a neutral playing field.
Sportsbook.com and just about everyone else is offering this one up at San Diego -3.
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Dan Shapiro, Gambling911.com
