Saturday night’s nationally televised NFL “dress rehearsal” exhibition game featuring the Saints and Chargers involves two teams that are closely matched in the current wagering ecosystem.

— Both teams are projected to win around 10 games, according to the regular-season win totals posted by William Hill. The Saints are at 9.5, but you have to lay -130 to bet the Over (risking $13 for every $10 you stand to win). The Chargers are at nine wins, but you have to lay a much steeper -175 to bet the Over (risking $17.50 for every $10 you stand to win).

— Both teams are priced to win competitive divisions. The Saints are +140 to win the NFC South, compared to +190 for the Falcons, +650 for the Panthers, and +1200 for the Buccaneers (who will play better than those odds suggest once Jameis Winston finishes his three-game suspension). The Chargers are +125 to win the AFC West, compared to +300 for both the Raiders and Chiefs, and +450 for the Broncos.

— Both teams are in the “second tier” of conference championship threats behind more popular betting choices such as the Patriots and Steelers in the AFC, and the Eagles, Vikings and Rams in the NFC. The Chargers are 6/1 to reach the Super Bowl from the AFC, the Saints 8/1 to win the NFC.

The Saints, though, currently are seen as more likely to win the Super Bowl if they get there. They are 15/1 compared to the Chargers’ 20/1. (The Chargers are so likely to be underdogs or short home favorites in postseason games that you’re probably better off waiting to see if they make the playoffs first, then roll over bets on a round-by-round basis to maximize your return).

Neither coach is likely to play his starting quarterback Saturday night beyond what’s necessary to establish timing. Chargers coach Anthony Lynn had Philip Rivers throw only six passes in last year’s dress rehearsal. Saints coach Sean Payton focused more on defense in a 13-0 shutout of Houston. Rivers and Drew Brees are known quantities. Watch the game to scout out whether or not their supporting casts are capable of sneaking through the William Hill odds and going the distance.

Or, from the other direction, try to spot weaknesses that could open the door to smart bets. If you believe the Chargers are destined to disappoint again, then betting the Chiefs or Broncos “Over” their win totals starts to make more sense (or you can bet the Chargers “Under 9” at William Hill with a juicy +155 return!). If the Saints are about to go stale, you’ll want to think about betting Under 9.5 at a +110 return in advance of fading them during the season.