Atlanta Falcons vs Los Angeles Chargers Picks and Predictions December 1st 2024

Atlanta Falcons vs Los Angeles Chargers December 1st 2024

The Chargers are favored on the road in their week 13 non-conference matchup against the Falcons. The game, set for 1:00 ET, will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The Chargers’ money line odds are -122, while the Falcons’ money line odds are +101. The Chargers are -1.5 point favorites, and the over/under line is 47 points. You can watch this one on CBS.

Los Angeles vs. Atlanta Key Information

• Teams: Chargers at Falcons
• Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium Atlanta
• Date: Sunday, December 1st
• Betting Odds LAC -122 | ATL +101 O/U 47

The Chargers Can Win If…

After three straight wins, the Chargers couldn’t keep their streak going in week 12, falling 30-23 to the Ravens. This dropped them to 7-4, leaving them 2nd in the AFC West. Despite the loss, our projections give them a 91.4% chance of making the playoffs. Heading into week 13, they rank 11th in our NFL power rankings.

So far, the Chargers have an average scoring margin of +6.2 points per game and are 7-3-1 against the spread. They are 7-1 ATS as favorites but 0-2-1 as underdogs. Their O/U record is 4-7, with the over hitting in their last three games.

Heading into week 13, the Chargers are 11th in our offensive power rankings. They are averaging 22.1 points per game, which ranks 17th in the NFL, and they are 21st in yards per game with 322.6. Despite ranking 29th in passing attempts, the Chargers are 20th in passing yards per game, averaging 204.5. On the ground, they are 12th in rushing attempts and 13th in rushing yards per game, with 118.1. They are converting 38.5% of their third-down attempts, ranking 16th in the league, and they are 6th in red zone conversion percentage.

Justin Herbert threw for 218 yards in week 12, completing 21 of 36 passes. He didn’t throw a touchdown but avoided interceptions after being sacked four times. Ladd McConkey led the team with 6 catches for 83 yards, and J.K. Dobbins had 40 rushing yards on 6 carries. The Chargers scored in every quarter against the Ravens, with 7 points in the 1st and 4th quarters, 6 in the 2nd, and 3 in the 3rd.

In their 30-23 loss to the Ravens, the Chargers’ defense allowed 177 passing yards on just 16 completions, but they did give up two passing touchdowns. The bigger issue was defending the run, as they allowed 212 yards on 37 attempts, including a long 67-yard run by Lamar Jackson. The Ravens’ success on the ground led to 389 total yards of offense for Baltimore.

Los Angeles allowed the Ravens to convert on 53.3% of their third down attempts and lost the tackles for loss battle by a margin of -2. Despite limiting Baltimore to just 8.0 yards per attempt in the passing game, the Chargers couldn’t slow down the Ravens’ ground attack.

• Spanning across their last three games, Los Angeles have gone 2-1. In addition, their ATS record over this stretch is 2-1 while posting a 3-0 over-under mark.
• Los Angeles has put together a record of 6-4 in their last ten games (regular season). Across these games, their ATS record was just 6-3-1, while posting an over-under record of 4-6.

The Falcons Can Win If…

Despite a two-game losing streak, the Falcons remain atop the NFC South with a 6-5 record, including a 4-1 mark in division play. After a week 9 win over the Cowboys, Atlanta dropped their next two games, falling to the Saints in week 10 and the Broncos in week 11. They were unable to cover the spread in either matchup, including a 32-point loss to Denver as 2-point underdogs.

Our projections give the Falcons a 66.0% chance of winning the division and a 69.9% chance of making the playoffs. They rank 19th in our NFL power rankings. Atlanta has a -2.7 scoring margin and is 5-6 against the spread this season. Their O/U record is 4-7, with the under hitting in three straight games.

Heading into week 13, the Falcons are 10th in our offensive power rankings. They are 16th in the NFL in scoring, averaging 22.2 points per game, and rank 8th in total offense with 361.5 yards per game. Atlanta is 5th in passing yards, with 243.6 per game on 33.3 attempts (14th), while their rushing attack ranks 14th, averaging 117.9 yards on 26.4 carries per game. The Falcons are 20th in the league in 3rd-down conversions, with a 37.4% success rate, but they are 9th in red zone conversion percentage.

Kirk Cousins threw for 173 yards and an interception in week 11, completing 18 of 27 passes. Bijan Robinson had 35 yards on 12 carries, and Drake London led the team with 61 receiving yards on 3 catches. The Falcons struggled in the second half, failing to score after putting up 6 points in the first half.

In their 38-6 loss to the Broncos, the Falcons’ defense struggled to get off the field, as Denver converted on 54.5% of their third down attempts. Atlanta allowed four passing touchdowns while giving up 295 yards through the air on 84.8% passing. The Falcons’ lone sack came from the quarterback hit and tackles for loss differential, which they both lost by -3.

On the ground, the Falcons gave up 105 yards on 26 attempts, averaging 4.0 yards per attempt. Overall, the Falcons’ defense allowed 400 yards of total offense in the blowout loss.

• Over their last three games, the Falcons have gone 2-1 straight up. Their strong play has also resulted in an ATS mark of 2-1 (last 3). They had an over/under mark of 1-2 in those same games.
• Over their last ten regular season games, the Falcons have gone 5-5 straight up. Their record against the spread in this stretch is 4-6 to go along with an over-under mark of 4-6.

The Lean

For this week 13 matchup between the Chargers and Falcons, we have the Chargers coming out on top by a score of 24-19. With the point spread sitting at -1.5 in favor of the Chargers, we like them to not only win but cover as road favorites.

As for the best way to bet the over/under, we are leaning towards the under, with a projected combined score of 43 points, which is four points below the O/U line of 47.

Football Picks from The Best NFL Expert Handicappers

With Both in the Playoff Hunt, Chargers Travel to Face Falcons in a High-Stakes Matchup

Two teams with playoff aspirations square off in Atlanta on Sunday as the Falcons host the Los Angeles Chargers. Both teams find themselves in pivotal positions, needing a win to solidify their postseason hopes.

Atlanta Falcons: Recharging for the Stretch Run

The Falcons (6-5) enter the game holding a slim one-game lead over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South. Despite back-to-back losses, Atlanta remains in contention for its first winning season and playoff appearance since 2017. A victory on Sunday would provide a critical boost to their playoff chances.

Two weeks ago, the Falcons endured a tough 38-6 loss against the Denver Broncos, managing only 226 total yards of offense. The defense struggled as well, allowing rookie quarterback Bo Nix to throw for four touchdowns. After a much-needed bye week, quarterback Kirk Cousins is optimistic about the team’s ability to regroup and execute.

Kirk Cousins on the Playoff Push

Cousins, in his first year with Atlanta, has thrown for 2,807 yards—fifth in the NFL—while leading the Falcons’ offense. The veteran quarterback views this stretch as the defining moment of the season.

“We’ve all had a great chance to recharge and refill the tanks for this stretch run,” Cousins said. “We’ve got six games left, and we have to earn the right to play a seventh. It’s about putting our words into action.”

Cousins’ leadership and consistency have kept Atlanta competitive, and he aims to become the first Falcons quarterback since Matt Ryan in 2008 to lead the team to the playoffs in his first year.

Los Angeles Chargers: Aiming to Stay in the Hunt

The Chargers (7-4) are also vying for a playoff spot, holding the second AFC wild-card position. First-year head coach Jim Harbaugh has guided Los Angeles to a 4-1 record in their last five games, but Monday’s 30-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens highlighted some areas of concern.

Los Angeles held an early 10-0 lead but struggled to maintain momentum. To make matters worse, starting running back J.K. Dobbins suffered an MCL sprain, leaving him sidelined this week. Backup running backs Gus Edwards and Hassan Haskins will step in to fill the void.

Jim Harbaugh on His Running Game

Despite Dobbins’ absence, Harbaugh expressed confidence in his remaining backfield.

“Gus is heating back up; great to have him in there,” Harbaugh said. “Hassan is playing spectacular football. I’m excited to see what they can do.”

Chargers’ Defense Shines

Los Angeles boasts the league’s best defense, allowing only 15.9 points per game. Harbaugh recognizes the challenge of facing Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, describing him as “super tough” and “the consummate pro.”

Meanwhile, quarterback Justin Herbert continues to lead the Chargers’ offense with precision, throwing for 2,404 yards, 13 touchdowns, and just one interception this season.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Falcons’ Offense vs. Chargers’ Defense
   The Falcons’ offensive struggles in Denver must be corrected against the NFL’s stingiest defense. Cousins will need to utilize his passing attack effectively, especially with a banged-up Chargers secondary.
2. Chargers’ Offense vs. Falcons’ Defense
   Atlanta’s defense has been inconsistent and must find a way to contain Herbert. The Falcons’ ability to generate pressure will be crucial in disrupting Los Angeles’ rhythm.

Injury Report

Injuries could play a significant role in Sunday’s game.

• Chargers: J.K. Dobbins (MCL), Khalil Mack (rest), Denzel Perryman (groin), Alohi Gilman (hamstring), Cam Hart (ankle), and Will Dissly (groin) are key absentees or limited participants in practice.
• Falcons: Wide receiver Darnell Mooney (Achilles) and cornerbacks Dee Alford (hamstring) and Mike Hughes (neck) are among 12 players limited in practice this week.

The Stakes Are High

For Atlanta, a win keeps their playoff destiny firmly in their hands and provides momentum heading into the season’s final stretch. For Los Angeles, victory solidifies their hold on a wild-card spot in the highly competitive AFC.

This matchup promises to be a battle of strengths: the Chargers’ elite defense against the Falcons’ veteran-led offense. As both teams strive to keep their postseason dreams alive, Sunday’s game could be a turning point in their respective seasons.