NFL Season
NFL Season

The New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Chargers face off on Sunday, 10 August 2025, in a crucial preseason fixture at SoFi Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 16:05. Though the result won't affect the regular season, individual performances will have lasting consequences.

Why the Saints' Quarterback Battle Matters More Than the Result

The Saints closed 2024 with a disappointing 5–12 record and start the new campaign without a confirmed starting quarterback. Head coach Kellen Moore is rotating three contenders: Spencer Rattler, Tyler Shough and Jake Haener.

Per WDSU, Moore will give equal time to all three on Sunday.

  • Rattler posted 3,186 passing yards in his final college season at South Carolina.
  • Shough contributed 3,195 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2024.
  • Haener completed 66.5% of passes during last year's preseason.

Moore's decision may not be finalised this weekend, but Sunday's game could make or break someone's shot at leading the Saints into Week 1.

Trey Lance Set to Shine as Herbert Sits Out

With Justin Herbert likely to rest, the Chargers' offence will be led by Trey Lance, a quarterback still looking to re-establish himself after leaving San Francisco.

Lance impressed during the Hall of Fame Game, completing 13 of 20 passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns, according to ESPN.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh praised Lance's growth: 'Trey's shown poise and sharpness, he's made the most of his reps'.

Against a Saints defence in transition, Lance has a clear opportunity to dominate again and cement his place as QB2.

Omarion Hampton Could Exploit New Orleans' Leaky Run Defence

The Chargers' backfield features both veteran Najee Harris and rookie standout Omarion Hampton. Harris, who rushed for 1,035 yards last season, may only appear briefly, leaving Hampton to make his mark.

Hampton has averaged 5.9 yards per carry in training camp and received first-team reps, per NFL.com.

The Saints' defence ranked 25th last season, surrendering 141.41 rushing yards per game. If that trend continues, Hampton could easily rack up 60-plus yards and challenge for a prominent role this season.

Saints Defence Must Prove It Hasn't Lost Its Bite

Despite leaders like Demario Davis and Cam Jordan, New Orleans' defence underperformed in 2024, plagued by injuries and inconsistent tackling.

With Lance under centre and the Chargers boasting multiple run threats, Rumph and the Saints' front seven must demonstrate they can disrupt plays, not just contain them.

Prediction: Chargers to Win, but Saints to Learn More

This matchup isn't about the scoreline, it's about depth, resilience and execution.

  • Chargers: Clear quarterback hierarchy, balanced backfield and defensive stability.
  • Saints: A revolving door at quarterback, untested defensive combinations.

Prediction: Chargers 24, Saints 13. Expect Lance to lead two scoring drives, Hampton to surpass 60 rushing yards, and Rattler to impress in moments, though not enough to settle the Saints' quarterback dilemma.

Pressure Builds Ahead of Week 1

With just one preseason game to evaluate key positions, the pressure on both teams is immense. For some players, this game will determine whether they start, or whether they're even on the final roster.

Whether it's Rattler, Lance or Hampton, Sunday will not just be a warm-up. It's a proving ground.

Writer's pick