Chargers vs. Falcons NFL Week 13 Picks: Can Los Angeles Get Back on Track?

Los Angeles Lost at Home

Justin Herbert connected on 21 of 36 passes for 218 yards, but the Chargers fell 30-23 at home to the Ravens on Monday night.

Los Angeles leaned heavily on Herbert and the passing attack after running back J.K. Dobbins exited in the second quarter with a knee injury. Before his departure, Dobbins was effective, rushing six times for 40 yards.

Ladd McConkey emerged as Herbert’s go-to target, hauling in six catches for 83 yards, while Will Dissly contributed four receptions for 47 yards.

Despite their efforts, the Ravens controlled the ground game, racking up 212 rushing yards and outgaining the Chargers 389-285 in total offense. If Dobbins is sidelined next week, Gus Edwards is expected to take over the backfield duties for Los Angeles. Kicker Cameron Dicker accounted for nine points with three field goals for the Chargers.

Atlanta Struggled in Denver

The Denver Broncos cruised to a dominant 38-6 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on November 17. Kirk Cousins struggled for Atlanta, completing 18 of 27 passes for 173 yards, throwing no touchdowns and one interception.

Bijan Robinson was bottled up on the ground, managing just 35 yards on 12 carries, while Drake London led the Falcons’ receiving corps with three catches for 61 yards.

With the game out of reach, Atlanta turned to rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who showed a glimpse of promise by completing a 20-yard pass to Ray-Ray McCloud III. Penix finished 2 of 4 for 24 yards in relief.

Defensively, Kaden Elliss stood out for Atlanta with nine tackles, but it was his younger brother, Jonah Elliss, who stole the spotlight for Denver. Jonah delivered a critical sack, a quarterback hit, and a tackle for loss in the Broncos’ commanding win.

Key Matchups

The Chargers and Falcons meet in what promises to be a clash of contrasting styles, with Los Angeles relying heavily on its passing attack while Atlanta looks to control the game on the ground. Both teams are coming off disappointing losses and will be eager to bounce back in this game, but questions surrounding injuries and depth loom large for both sides.

Justin Herbert vs. Falcons Secondary

Herbert has been a reliable force for the Chargers, even in defeat, completing 21 of 36 passes for 218 yards against a tough Ravens defense. His connection with McConkey, who had six catches for 83 yards last week, will be crucial against a Falcons defense that struggled to contain Bo Nix in their blowout loss to Denver.

The Falcons will need Elliss to step up and generate pressure to keep Herbert from finding a rhythm.

Chargers Rushing Attack vs. Falcons Front Seven

With Dobbins possibly sidelined due to a knee injury, the Chargers’ run game could lack a clear leader. If Edwards steps into the lead role, he’ll face a Falcons defense that limited Denver’s running backs but struggled overall to contain the Broncos’ offense.

The Chargers’ inability to establish the ground game could force them to be one-dimensional, which may play into Atlanta’s hands if their pass rush can generate consistent pressure.

Bijan Robinson vs. Chargers Run Defense

Robinson had a disappointing outing against Denver, managing just 35 yards on 12 carries. Facing a Chargers defense that allowed 212 rushing yards to Baltimore, this could be a prime opportunity for Robinson to get back on track.

The Falcons’ ability to sustain drives on the ground will be a key factor in controlling the clock and keeping Herbert off the field.

Special Teams Battle

Dicker has been reliable for the Chargers, contributing three field goals in their last game.

On the other side, Atlanta’s struggles on offense could put additional pressure on their kicking game to convert on limited opportunities. Special teams could tip the balance in a game where both offenses might have difficulty finding consistency.

The Pick

This game will likely be decided by which team can overcome its current vulnerabilities. The Chargers’ passing attack, led by Herbert and McConkey, should provide a consistent source of offense, but their lack of a reliable run game could limit their effectiveness in the red zone.

Meanwhile, the Falcons’ success hinges on Robinson and their ability to establish the ground game early. If they can do so, it will open up play-action opportunities and keep the Chargers’ defense guessing.

However, with the Falcons struggling to move the ball through the air and relying on an inexperienced backup quarterback if Cousins falters again, the Chargers’ defense should be able to limit big plays. Look for Herbert to make enough plays through the air to lead Los Angeles to a narrow victory.

NFL Pick: Chargers ML (-120) at Heritage Sports

Chargers ML (-120)

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