Classic head vs. heart situation here. Everyone wants the Saints to get a measure of revenge on the Rams after they were absolutely screwed in the NFC Championship Game last season. No one wants that revenge more than New Orleans, surely, but the external factors make it difficult to back it in this spot. The Saints will be travelling across the country on short rest after a Monday night game. Drew Brees is not nearly as good outdoors on the road as he is indoors at home. New Orleans does have the weapons, but it's not like Los Angeles is without playmakers or a competent quarterback. If the Rams' defensive backs can step up, the defensive line could have a day.

I like the Saints in the rematch of the NFC title game from one year ago. Michael Thomas and Alvina Kamara will make the difference for the Saints who should be a pick'em on the road according to my simulations.

Sharp bettors in Las Vegas are taking the Saints this week while also downgrading the Rams' rating a bit after their win over Carolina last week doesn’t look as impressive after the Panthers' horrendous Thursday night game. The Rams have gone 2-5-1 ATS in their last eight home games, and the Saints have revenge from the bad call in the NFC Championship Game on their minds. I think both defenses are going to get lit up here. The Saints won 30-28 last week, and the Rams won 30-27. Over is the top play.

The time to get on this line was at Saints +3, but I'm still going to play the Saints because they're going to win. This is the ultimate revenge spot after getting hosed in the NFC title game last season, and I think they'll bring the energy off their exciting Monday win where they needed to rally after a typically slow start to the season. The Rams aren't as good as they looked last week, as they were helped by a couple Carolina fumbles. They could also have issues up front if Sheldon Rankins is able to return. Too much is pointing to the Saints here not to play it.

Each of these teams averaged over 30 points last year, and each began this season with 30-point performances. The Over is 5-1 in LA's last six home games. Look for another high-scoring affair Sunday.

New Orleans is typically a slow starter; the Saints didn't come close to covering last week. And now they'll face a tougher defense in the Rams. Their secondary will make it very tough and the pass rush will get to Drew Brees. I think the Rams, playing at home, will control the ball with their two outstanding running backs. Back L.A.

The line suggests that the public views these upper-tier teams as even, a logical stance in light of their virtual standoff in the NFC Championship game. The difference here is New Orleans steps out of an exhausting Monday night win and is forced to travel cross-country to play in the Southern California heat. Rams QB Jared Goff has done well against the Saints and seems unburdened with his recent contract extension. Though the Saints tend to cover on the road, they have stumbled in six straight games overall ATS.

The narrative is about the Saints exacting revenge for their controversial NFC Championship Game loss. But I like the Rams, who won at Carolina despite Jared Goff playing so poorly. Now he's coming home, where he had a 116.7 passer rating last year, compared to 82.7 on the road. Plus New Orleans has less prep time after a thrilling Monday night win. Look for LA to go 2-0 and cover.