Is Derek Carr playing today? (Injury Update, Betting Impact for Saints vs. Chargers)

The New Orleans Saints are expected to not start quarterback Derek Carr for the third straight time after he was listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

This lines up with what head coach Dennis Allen said earlier this week, in which he said Spencer Rattler – the Saints rookie fifth-round pick – was expected to start on Sunday.

The Saints are 0-2 with Rattler under center, but they have lost a total of five straight games, dropping to one of the bottom brackets in the NFC.

Rattler hasn’t played terribly for New Orleans, but he hasn’t been good either. The bigger problem is that the Saints rank last in the NFL in yards allowed per game and 28th in points allowed so far in the 2024 season.

With Rattler expected to start, New Orleans is a seven-point underdog on the road. Hopefully for the Saints, Carr can quickly resume usual activities and return to the lineup before this season completely moves away from them.

Here’s a look at Rattler’s props for Week 8.

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.

I actually don’t mind targeting Rattler’s passing yards prop in a game that should be a negative game script for the Saints.

The Chargers have allowed the fourth-fewest passing yards in the NFL this season (they’ve already had their bye week, too), but Rattler was able to throw for 172 yards against Denver’s No. 1 overall pass defense last week.

In his other game, he easily erased this prop with 243 passing yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With Chris Olave expected back in action in Week 8, Rattler should have some more options in the passing game on Sunday.

If the Chargers go big as this spread suggests, Rattle should attempt a ton of passes in Week 8.

The odds are updated periodically and are subject to change.

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