We have an interesting matchup here as the 4-3 Chargers take on the 4-4 Falcons. Everyone expected Atlanta to be towards the bottom of the standings this season, but as things stand they sit atop the NFC South. Now, Marcus Mariota and company will look to stay there but face a tough game against a Los Angeles team that has been up and down this year. Who will come out on top? Our NFL expert gives their picks, predictions and best bets for this big game.
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NFL Week 9 Los Angeles Chargers vs Atlanta Falcons prediction
The Chargers fell to the Seahawks 37-23 in their last game, but have had their bye week to recover from that loss and will be hoping to build some consistency as they look to push for the postseason. Justin Herbert remains one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks and should enjoy some success against a Falcons defense that has shipped plenty of points this season. Let’s break down the odds and betting lines for this game.
Los Angeles Chargers vs Atlanta Falcons spread, odds & betting lines
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing.
Point Spread: Chargers -3, Falcons +3
Total Points Over/Under: 49.5 points
Money Line Odds: Chargers -165, Falcons +140
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Los Angeles Chargers vs Atlanta Falcons expert picks
We’ve got 2 standout NFL picks for this week’s clash between the Chargers and Falcons.
Chargers vs Falcons point spread pick: Falcons +3 (+100)
This is one of the most interesting matchups of the week as the Atlanta Falcons host the Los Angeles Chargers. On the surface, it seems like it could be a decent spot for the Chargers. They’re coming in well rested off their bye week, while the Falcons just played in an overtime thriller against the Panthers. But I just don’t like the matchup for Los Angeles. The Chargers’ run defense has once again proved to be vulnerable, and they’re allowing a league-worst 5.7 yards per rush attempt this season. That’s a ridiculous number, and a recipe for disaster against a Falcons team that loves to run the ball more than anybody else. Arthur Smith does a great job scheming up creative run plays, and it looks like Atlanta is going to get Cordarrelle Patterson back from injured reserve this week.
In 4 games this season, Patterson has rushed for 120+ yards twice, and he’s averaging a robust 5.9 yards per carry. The Falcons are banged up in their secondary, but it doesn’t look like the Chargers will be able to take advantage. Mike Williams isn’t going to play, and it looks like Keenan Allen might be on the sidelines again too. Allen reportedly suffered a setback with his hamstring during the Chargers’ bye week, and he missed practice on Wednesday. Without Williams and Allen, the Chargers are going to have a bunch of practice squad-type players running routes on Sunday. I’ll take the home underdog.
Be sure to check out our full Chargers vs Falcons predictions
Chargers vs Falcons Over/Under totals pick: Under 49.5 (-110)
The under makes some sense for this game. Los Angeles gives up a lot of yards on the ground and the Falcons prefer to run anyway, so we know they’re going to be pounding the rock. That will keep the clock churning, and I don’t see either offense having much success. Atlanta’s ceiling is capped by the way the coaching staff doesn’t fully trust QB Marcus Mariota to let it rip, and the Chargers are too banged up at receiver to be explosive right now.
Chargers QB Keenan Allen potentially being out for this one is huge, as this is going to be the team’s first game without Mike Williams this season. Justin Herbert has struggled a bit recently, and he’s topped 7.0 yards per pass attempt in only 1 of his last 6 games. Last year, he did it in 10 of 17 games.
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Be sure to also check some of our other NFL Predictions articles for Week 9 below.
- Indianapolis Colts vs New England Patriots predictions
- Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets predictions
- Seattle Seahawks vs Arizona Cardinals predictions
- Los Angeles Rams vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers predictions
- Green Bay Packers vs Detroit Lions predictions
- Miami Dolphins vs Chicago Bears predictions
Los Angeles Chargers vs Atlanta Falcons expert predictions
Be sure to check out all of our expert betting insight, analysis and even more NFL Predictions and NFL Best Bets from the rest of the Week 9 action.
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