Chargers vs. Falcons Prediction Odds, Spread and Over/Under in NFL Week 9

The Atlanta Falcons did everything in their power to try and lose in Week 8, but the Carolina Panthers managed to choke a little bit harder. They needed overtime and two missed kicks, but the 37-34 win leaves the 4-4 Falcons all alone atop the NFC South standings heading into Week 9.

The Los Angeles Chargers are no stranger to choking away a game, but luckily for them they were on a much needed bye week. LA is 4-3, and just hoping to get healthy. 

Let’s take a look at the early week odds for this matchup. 

Chargers vs. Falcons Odds, Spread and Total

Atlanta and Los Angeles Betting Trends

• Atlanta is 6-2 ATS
• LA is 4-3 ATS
• Atlanta’s games are 5-3 to the over
• LA is 1-10 ATS in last 11 games in November

Chargers vs. Falcons Prediction and Pick

Arthur Smith has to be licking his chops thinking about facing a Brandon Staley defense. The Falcons have the fourth most rushing yards in the NFL and even with an injury to Cordarelle Patterson, they still average 4.7 yards per carry.

Tyler Allgeier has stepped up and played well, but yesterday was held to 39 yards on 16 carries. Instead it was Caleb Huntley who had 91 yards on 14 carries and Marcus Mariota who added 43 yards on the ground. That included a crucial scramble in overtime. 

Week 8 was Mariota’s most passing yardage in a game this season and he only threw for 253 yards. His 28 attempts were his second most. This offense does not want to throw the ball and we know that Staley’s defense is willing to give up yards on the ground.

Staley is rigid in his belief of putting a blanket on the deep passing game, but without Aaron Donald like he had with the Rams, he has gotten destroyed on the ground. The Chargers allow 5.7 yards per carry this year, the worst in the league. I’ve seen no indication that Staley will change his strategy against run-heavy teams, the Browns went for 213 on the ground and the Seahawks also ran for 213. 

Justin Herbert is clearly the best quarterback in this game, but an injury to Mike Williams takes away another one of his weapons. The Chargers have been reluctant to push the ball downfield and they will do it even less without Williams. I like this spot for the Falcons even though they’re banged up. 

Pick: Falcons +140

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change