The Los Angeles Chargers (7-4) visit the Atlanta Falcons (6-5). Both are in playoff position and are trying to rebound from losses. Our Chargers vs Falcons prediction is that underdog Atlanta will win.
After its Week 9 win over Dallas, Atlanta was 6-3, two full games ahead of Tampa Bay in the NFC South with two winnable games in front of them. They lost to New Orleans and Denver, the second of which was a brutal beating at the Broncos’ hands. Now they are 6-5 with a one-game lead over Tampa.
Los Angeles’ four-game win streak snapped in Week 12’s “Harbaugh Bowl” with Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh losing for the third straight time to his brother John Harbaugh and the Baltimore Ravens.
Head-to-head, Atlanta leads with an 8-4 record.
Offshore Odds: LA is a 1-Point Favorite on the Road
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chargers | -1 (-112) | -119 | O 47.5 (-110) |
| Falcons | +1 (-108) | -101 | U 47.5 (-110) |
LA Jockeys with Denver for Playoff Positioning
Despite Los Angeles’ seven-point loss to Baltimore in Week 12, the team is still in an established playoff position. The primary question is whether they will be the last playoff seed. Denver is right behind them in the standings.
It’s difficult to gauge just how good Los Angeles is. They have allowed the fewest points per game in the NFL. Baltimore was the first team to score at least 30 points against their defense.
In accruing their seven wins, they have benefited from sound fundamentals, mistake-free play, and a balanced attack largely devoid of stars but for quarterback Justin Herbert.
Los Angeles running back J.K. Dobbins is out with a sprained ACL. Atlanta’s defense has been vulnerable to both the pass and run this season. Without Dobbins, Harbaugh will not abandon the running game. Veteran Gus Edwards and Hassan Haskins will need to shoulder the load.
The Chargers contained Baltimore’s passing game, but Derrick Henry wore them down, running for 140 yards on 24 carries.
Atlanta’s Divison Lead is in Jeopardy
If Atlanta wins one of the next two games against Los Angeles and Minnesota, their schedule lightens considerably with consecutive games against the Raiders and Giants.
Atlanta’s defense is battered, particularly the secondary. Without Dobbins, expect Los Angeles to cut Herbert loose and try to exploit it. The Falcons will try to mimic what Baltimore did with Bijan Robinson. This could open the vertical game for Kirk Cousins.
Atlanta had a much-needed respite with its Week 12 bye. They will copy the Ravens’ strategy, and run the ball with Robinson and Tyler Allgeier before Cousins starts firing downfield.
Chargers vs Falcons Prediction: Atlanta Needs This Win More
With the Chargers postseason position largely set and the Falcons fending off the Bucs, Atlanta needs to win this game more than Los Angeles.
Expect a tight matchup with Atlanta ultimately prevailing.
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Pick
Falcons Money Line (-101)
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