Drew Brees
Drew Brees set a record in 2011 with 5,476 passing yards. Reuters

The New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers are set to square off on Sunday Night Football in Week 5 of the 2012 NFL season.

The contest is set to get underway at 8:20 p.m. ET at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The game will be broadcast nationally on NBC. If you can’t get to a TV, you can watch a free live stream online with SNF Extra.

New Orleans has been the most disappointing team of the young season. They’re one of two winless teams. Still, the Saints are favored to beat the Chargers.

San Diego will look to take advantage of one of the worst defenses in the league. New Orleans is allowing 32.5 points per game. The Saints are especially vulnerable against the pass, allowing a league-worst 463.3 yards in the air per contest.

Philip Rivers shouldn’t have any trouble moving the ball. He’s thrown for a 91.9 quarterback rating, while leading the Chargers to a 3-1 record and first place in the AFC West.

Rivers should have plenty of time to throw. New Orleans has barely put any pressure on opposing quarterbacks, compiling just six sacks in four games.

Drew Brees is, once again, leading the league in passing yards. His 1,350 yards through the air, however, have not been enough to help the Saints win a game.

The Saints running game hasn’t give Brees much help. New Orleans is 26th in the NFL, averaging 80.8 yards on the ground per contest.

Betting Line: New Orleans-3.5, 52.5

Prediction: The Saints have lost a lot of close games after winning 13 games in 2011. Brees has played well, but he has been failed by a defense that hasn’t been able to stop anyone. At home, New Orleans should avoid another close loss.

Predicted Score: New Orleans 35, San Diego 24

National Football League