The Chargers head to Atlanta seeking to bounce back after a tough home loss, while the Falcons aim to recover from a lopsided defeat in Denver. Here’s our preview, which includes a prediction, using the best NFL odds from the top sportsbooks.
NFL Pick: Chargers ML (-120) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Chargers vs. Falcons
Sunday, December 01, 2024 – 01:00 PM ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Los Angeles Stumbles at Home
Justin Herbert put up a solid effort, completing 21 of 36 passes for 218 yards, but it wasn’t enough as the Chargers fell 30-23 to the Ravens on Monday night. The team leaned heavily on Herbert following the early exit of J.K. Dobbins, who suffered a knee injury in the second quarter after rushing for 40 yards on six carries.
Herbert found rhythm with Ladd McConkey, who caught six passes for 83 yards, while Will Dissly added four receptions for 47 yards. Despite these efforts, the Ravens controlled the game on the ground, racking up 212 rushing yards and outgaining the Chargers 389-285.
If Dobbins is out next week, the Chargers will likely turn to Gus Edwards in the backfield. Cameron Dicker remained a bright spot for Los Angeles, converting three field goals and providing nine points in the loss.
Atlanta Falters in Denver
The Falcons were overwhelmed in a 38-6 drubbing by the Broncos on November 17. Kirk Cousins struggled, completing 18 of 27 passes for 173 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. Bijan Robinson was bottled up, rushing for just 35 yards on 12 carries, while Drake London led the receiving corps with three catches for 61 yards.
With the game out of hand, rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. took over late, completing 2 of 4 passes for 24 yards, including a 20-yard connection with Ray-Ray McCloud III.
Defensively, Kaden Elliss recorded nine tackles for Atlanta, but his brother, Jonah Elliss, stole the show for Denver with a sack, a quarterback hit, and a tackle for loss.
Keys to the Game
Herbert remains the centerpiece of the Chargers’ offense, and his connection with McConkey (83 yards on six catches last week) will be crucial against a Falcons defense that faltered against Denver. For Atlanta to slow Herbert down, they’ll need a big game from Elliss and the pass rush to disrupt his timing and force mistakes.
With Dobbins possibly out, the Chargers lack a clear leader in the run game. Edwards will face a Falcons defense that performed adequately against Denver’s running backs but struggled overall to contain the Broncos’ offense. If the Chargers fail to establish a ground game, they risk becoming one-dimensional, giving Atlanta a chance to tee off on Herbert.
Robinson struggled against the Broncos, gaining only 35 yards on 12 carries, but he has a golden opportunity against a Chargers defense that surrendered 212 rushing yards to the Ravens. If Robinson can find his footing, Atlanta could control the clock and take pressure off their struggling passing attack.
Dicker has been a steady performer for the Chargers, converting three field goal attempts last week. Atlanta may need their own special teams unit to capitalize on limited offensive opportunities, making this phase a potential game-changer.
NFL Pick
This matchup will likely come down to which team can mask its weaknesses most effectively. The Chargers’ passing game, led by Herbert and McConkey, should give them a consistent offensive edge, even if their run game remains a question mark.
For Atlanta, success depends heavily on Robinson rediscovering his form. If the Falcons can establish the run early, they’ll have a chance to keep the Chargers’ offense off the field. However, Atlanta’s struggles in the air and potential reliance on an inexperienced backup quarterback could limit their ability to capitalize on opportunities.
NFL Pick: Chargers ML (-120) at Bet365
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