After re-introducing themselves this season with a formidable defense and signature Jim Harbaugh physicality, the Los Angeles Chargers have allowed 57 points in their last two games. And right as the Atlanta Falcons looked evolved on offense, they’ve sputtered to just 23 points in their last two games.
How to watch Chargers at Falcons
The Chargers are still in a good spot at 7-4. And the Falcons still lead the NFC South at 6-5. That makes this one of the more compelling matchups of Week 13, and it hits the market with the fourth-highest point total of the slate.
The Falcons need to make the game easier on themselves. They enter with the second-worst average starting field position per drive. Some of that is a shoddy defense getting pushed around. Raheem Morris made his name coaching stout defenses, but these Falcons are certainly not that. The pass rush is anemic, and Atlanta is bottom-10 in both points and air yardage allowed.
This offense is paced by Kirk Cousins, tied for the most comebacks, and Bijan Robinson, fifth in scrimmage yards. It will have its work cut out for it against the Chargers. Even with the recent downturn, Los Angeles is still the stingiest scoring defense in the NFL. Opponents are eighth-worst on third down and fourth-worst in red zone conversions.
Justin Herbert set his season high for passing in Week 11’s thriller over the Bengals. But he’s still averaging the lowest yards per throw of his career. Far more impressive is his sterling 13-to-1 touchdown-to-interception rate. With his newfound protective play, and Atlanta’s inability to generate turnovers, the Falcons will be expected to lose the field position battle once again. Drake London is the home squad’s best receiver, but Darnell Mooney, the game-breaking vertical option, might be Cousins’ most important read.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Atlanta Falcons odds
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(Photo of Bijan Robinson: Cooper Neill / Getty Images)
