Chargers Game Day: Atlanta Falcons – Week 7
After a victory over one of the top defenses in the league, the San Diego Chargers (2-4) now travel to face the league’s top offense. Atlanta (4-2) is a week removed from a difficult road loss to the Seattle Seahawks in which they spent two weeks out west following their victory over Denver. A return to the Georgia Dome and a game in front of their home crowd will be a welcome site for the Falcons and something the Chargers will need to overcome on Sunday.
Despite a losing record, the Chargers have been competitive in every game this season. Quarterback Philip Rivers continues to perform at a high level and effectively executes the game plan in order for San Diego to be successful. Currently sixth in the NFL in touchdown passes (12), Rivers will have a good opportunity to remain effective this week.
Opposite will be the Falcons and their 26th ranked passing defense, allowing 285.3 passing yards on average per game. Chargers’ receivers Travis Benjamin and Tyrell Williams should be poised to have big days along with tight end Hunter Henry. However, Falcons’ quarterback Matt Ryan has been playing at an MVP caliber level, leading the league in passing and posing a serious threat to San Diego’s defense.
2016 SEASON: SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (2-4) at ATLANTA FALCONS (4-2)
KICKOFF: 4:05 PM EDT (1:05 PM PDT)
TV: FOX
LOCATION: GEORGIA DOME
WEATHER: INDOOR
LAST MEETING: 27-3, ATLANTA – Sept. 23, 2012
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KEY MATCH-UP: RED ZONE DEFENSE
The Falcons’ 33.2 points per game leads the NFL while the Chargers are third with 28.8 points. With both of these high-powered offenses matching up in the dome on Sunday, defensive play is going to have to step up. In order to maintain their success and bounce back from a difficult road loss last week, Atlanta will need to stop Rivers in the red zone. The team that settles for three points as opposed to seven will be at a disadvantage. Knowing both teams are capable of scoring, defensive stops will be key during this contest.
Both San Diego and Atlanta have defenses that appeared to struggle initially but have in recent weeks been effective. The San Diego Chargers impactful rookies include Joey Bosa, Jatavis Brown, and Joshua Perry who have all begun to make names for themselves on the defensive side of the football. While Atlanta continues to be led by the emergence of Vic Beasley and presence of their own rookie, Keanu Neal, in the secondary.
Expect a high scoring affair but the Chargers’ defense, while improved, won’t have enough to stop the veteran Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons versatile offense.
PREDICTION: Chargers – 27, Falcons – 34
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