NFL Game of the Week: Chargers vs. Falcons
One of the better games in week nine is an AFC versus NFC showdown between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Atlanta Falcons.
The Atlanta Falcons are in first place in the NFC South sitting at 4-4 on the season. Their previous game was a shootout against the Carolina Panthers where they eeked out a home overtime win 37-34.
The Falcons have been a very good story so far this season, getting very solid quarterback play from Marcus Mariota. This will be a huge test for the Falcons facing a very talented Chargers team.
The Los Angeles Chargers come into this game at 4-3 and are in second place in the AFC West. They are fueled by their superstar second year quarterback, Justin Herbert, who currently has 12 touchdowns and only four interceptions.
The Chargers last game was a loss to the Seahawks 37-23 but they are coming off a bye week so they should be very prepared for this matchup.
Both of these teams are dealing with injuries to their best players. On the Chargers side Joey Bosa along with JC Jacskon are on the injured reserve with Keenan Allen being questionable to play. For the Falcons they are without Cordarelle Patterson who was one of their best offensive players.
The Chargers were supposed to be one of the best teams in the NFL but with a slow start they have not lived up to expectations just yet. This is a great opportunity for the Chargers to show that they are indeed a great team.
On the flip side for the Falcons if they beat the Chargers, people will start believing they can be a true contender in the NFC.
The Chargers have a big advantage when their offense will be on the field. As said earlier they are led by a great quarterback and also have one of the best running backs in the league with Austin Ekeler.
The Chargers are ranked 11th in points per game and have the 4th highest passing yards per game going against the Falcons defense that is 32nd in passing yards allowed. The Chargers should be able to score a lot.
Meanwhile the Falcons are good at running the ball ranking 5th in rushing yards per game, that is where the Chargers struggle as they rank 27th rushing yards allowed as a defense.
This game should have a lot of points and it should be a great battle between two teams that need to keep winning in order to keep playoff spots. The Chargers have more difference makers in this game and are more talented, which will help them sneak out a close victory.
Prediction: Chargers 34, Falcons 31
Ben Wasserman is a telecommunications and media industries major. To contact him, email bnw5231@psu.edu.
