The Chargers are basically about where we thought they’d be at this point in the season, while the Falcons are playing above expectations, heading into this cross-country inter-conference match-up slated for Sunday afternoon in Atlanta.
Los Angeles just had a three-game winning streak snapped last time out. The Falcons, meanwhile, following an 0-2 start to this season, are 4-2 their last six times out.
Which way are we going here with our free LAC/Atl pick?
NFL Betting Lines
The Week 9 NFL betting odds opened the Chargers as three-point road favorites for Sunday, with an over/under of right around 49. Early betting action then edged that total to 49.5.
Chargers-Falcons NFL Betting Preview
Los Angeles won three games in a row to begin October but two weeks ago lost at home to Seattle 37-23. The Chargers then had last week off.
Los Angeles, playing as a six-point favorite against the Seahawks, fell down 17-0 in the first quarter and trailed 24-14 at the half. The Chargers got little going offensively in the second half, later trailed 37-16, and basically got out-played in a game they were supposed to win.
LA got out-gained by Seattle 404-329, out-rushed 213-53, and lost time of possession by a 34:26 split.
Two games ago, the Chargers fell behind to Denver 10-0 but rallied to win 19-16 in overtime. Three games ago, they fell down to Cleveland 14-0 but rallied to win 30-28. So Los Angeles has been living a bit dangerously as of late.
At 4-3 overall, the Chargers have actually been out-scored on the season 189-164.
Atlanta, meanwhile, is 4-2 both SU and ATS over its last six games after out-lasting Carolina at home last week 37-34 in overtime. The Falcons led the Panthers 14-10 at the half, 21-13 through three quarters, and 34-28 late but looked like they blew the game when they gave up a 62-yard touchdown with 12 seconds left. But Atlanta got lucky when Carolina missed the extra point, got lucky again when the Panthers missed a chip-shot field goal in OT, then won it with a field goal of its own.
The Falcons actually got out-gained by Carolina 478-406 and lost the turnover battle 2-1. Atlanta led most of the game, nearly botched it but basically got lucky.
The Falcons have now been out-gained by each of their last seven opponents, but they’ve also out-rushed seven of their eight opponents this season, which is part of why Atlanta is 6-2 ATS on the season.
On the injury front, while both teams are a little banged up, Los Angeles will probably operate without its top two wide receivers Sunday.
These teams have played two common opponents so far this season; Atlanta played Cleveland and Seattle to 2-0 both SU and ATS but -52 yards per game, while the Chargers played the Browns and Seahawks to 1-1 in both SU and ATS and -26 YPG.
Chargers-Falcons Recent History
These teams last met two seasons ago, a 20-17 Los Angeles victory. Just Herbert threw two touchdown passes that day for the Chargers, while Matt Ryan threw three interceptions for the Falcons.
- Get more details: LA Chargers at Atlanta Week 9 Betting Stats
NFL Betting Trends
- Home teams are 66-53 SU and 57-60 ATS in the NFL this season.
- Favorites are 73-48 SU and 52-66 ATS in the NFL this season.
- Home dogs are 21-27 SU and 26-21 ATS in the NFL this season.
Totals Report
- The Overs are 4-3 in Chargers games this season, which are averaging 50 total points.
- The Overs are 5-3 in Falcons games this season and are averaging 51 points.
- The Unders are 72-49 in the NFL this season. However, to us, that sounds like a trend due for a correction.
