Los Angeles Chargers vs. Atlanta Falcons Preview (11/06/22): Betting Odds, Prediction, Depth Charts
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The Chargers head across the country to Atlanta following their bye week. Atlanta comes off an overtime win versus the Panthers to give them the division lead in a weak NFC South. Let’s take a closer look at the matchups, odds, and injuries to predict which 4 win team will prevail.
Los Angeles Chargers Vs. Atlanta Falcons Betting Odds
The Chargers are road favorites (-3) by a field goal versus the Falcons (+3). The over/under is set at a high 49.5 after the Falcons scored a season high 37 points versus the Panthers last Sunday.
Los Angeles Chargers Vs. Atlanta Falcons Prediction
While the Falcons have lost some close games this season, it’s safe to say they’ve exceeded their low expectations, while the Chargers have underperformed. The Chargers stats don’t look too bad on paper–they’re 4-3 and have the 4th best passing offense, but they haven’t looked dominant and had a couple disappointing losses, like losing by 28 to the Jaguars. Injuries have also plagued the Chargers this season both offensively and defensively. Key players like WR Mike Williams, WR Keenan Allen, T Rashawn Slater, DE Joey Bosa, CB J.C. Jackson, and even their kicker Dustin Hopkins have all been on and off the injury report. This has kept the Chargers defense especially from improving, as they’re allowing only three less yards per game than in 2021 despite spending big on defensive free agents in the offseason.
The Falcons are unexpectedly leaders of the NFC South midway through the season after a couple missed kicks and a poorly timed unsportsmanlike penalty helped them get a win versus the Panthers. The 4-4 Falcons have impressed in wins over the 49ers and Seahawks thanks to their run game, smart football by Marcus Mariota, and an opportunistic defense with 11 turnovers this season, including this athletic pick six by LB Lorenzo Carter.
.@_zocarter went ⬆️ and all the way
📺 FOX || NFL+ pic.twitter.com/uK3AcaWqqQ
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) October 30, 2022
They also involved sophomore TE Kyle Pitts more this past week as he went for 80 receiving yards and a touchdown. Continuing to incorporate him more into the passing game will only help the Falcons more in their playoff push.
I’m taking the Falcons to upset the Chargers. The Falcons not only have more momentum, but are better coached, healthier, and the potential return of Cordarelle Patterson will only add to the Falcons rush attack versus a weak Chargers run defense.
Prediction: Falcons 28-24, Over hits
Betting Trends
- Chargers are 12-3 ATS in their last 15 games following a double-digit loss at home
- Chargers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in Week 9
- Falcons are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games overall
Chargers vs Falcons Key Injuries
Los Angeles Chargers Injuries: Mike Williams (O), Keenan Allen (Q), Dustin Hopkins (Q), Josh Palmer (Q), Donald Parham Jr. (Q), Joshua Kelley (O), Joey Bosa (O), Rashawn Slater (O)
Atlanta Falcons Injuries: A.J. Terrell (Q), Jaylinn Hawkins (Q), Marlon Davidson (Q), Jalen Mayfield (Q), Damien Williams (Q), Cordarelle Patterson (Q)
Chargers vs Falcons Key Matchups
Check out the key matchups and mismatches for Chargers vs Falcons below.
The Falcons Run Offense vs the Chargers Defensive Front
The Falcons potent running game has been a large part of their unexpected success this season. Their run offense is currently ranked 5th in the league, averaging 158.1 yards per game. Even better news is Cordarelle Patterson is finally eligible to return after having to miss at least four games from his time on the IR with a knee injury. If he does play, he will likely be on a limited snap count to keep him fresh going into the second half of the season. Even in the four games without Patterson, the Falcons have averaged 148.25 rushing yards per game thanks to RB Caleb Huntley and RB Tyler Allgeier who have done a great job stepping up during Patterson’s injury. Injuries have definitely had a harsher effect on the Chargers run defense, who rank 6th worst in the league, despite their offseason additions intended to shore up their run D. The Falcons will be a tough matchup for the Chargers front, especially if Patterson plays.
Chargers Pass Offense vs Falcons Pass Defense
The Falcons just made a big move at the trade deadline acquiring CB Rashad Fenton from the Chiefs to help bolster their 4th worst ranked pass defense. The Falcons have struggled against the pass, especially with CB Casey Hayward and CB A.J. Terrell on the injury report. This especially showed on the Panthers’ giant Hail Mary-like touchdown, which should’ve cost the Falcons the game. Though the Chargers have the 4th best passing offense in yards per game, their receiving corps is depleted with both Mike Williams and Keenan Allen on the injury report. Allen’s hamstring injury just suffered another setback, so the Chargers will have to plan without him in mind. Expect Herbert to target RB Austin Ekeler out of the backfield and TE Gerald Everett given how depleted this receiving core is.
Los Angeles Chargers Depth Chart
QB: Justin Herbert
RB1: Austin Ekeler
RB2: Joshua Kelley
LWR: Mike Williams
RWR: Keenan Allen
SWR: Joshua Palmer
TE1:Gerald Everett
Atlanta Falcons Depth Chart
QB: Marcus Mariota
RB1: Cordarrelle Patterson
RB2: Tyler Allgeier
LWR: Bryan Edwards
RWR: Drake London
SWR: Olamide Zaccheaus
TE1: Kyle Pitts
