Opening Odds for Chargers-Falcons Project Surprisingly Close Game in Week 13

The Los Angeles Chargers will be the last team (along with the Baltimore Ravens) to kick off in Week 12 as they await their Monday night matchup at home to get underway. But with a majority of other squads done with their games, the attention has already shifted to Week 13.

Looking ahead then, the Chargers are set to take on the NFC South-leading Atlanta Falcons next Sunday in a game that will play a part in shaping the playoff picture.

While Atlanta does own its division's best record, that says more about the NFC South, considering 6-5 is good enough for first place. However, oddsmakers seem to think the Falcons will put up a very strong fight against John Harbaugh's team.

According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Chargers have opened as only 1.5-point favorites (-105 to cover) and -122 on the moneyline. Meanwhile, the Falcons are -115 to cover the spread and just +104 to win, making them barely an underdog at all.

It's pretty surprising to see this matchup forecasted to be this tight. Surely one factor playing a role is the fact LA hasn't suited up in Week 12 yet, as a win over the Ravens on MNF would go a long way toward showing how serious this squad is as a contender.

That being said, it's the Falcons who need to show more than the Chargers at this point in the season. Atlanta's roller coaster-like play has held it back all year, and Raheem Morris' club is coming off of a 38-6 walloping by the Denver Broncos before its bye in Week 12.

Harbaugh's defense is an even stingier defense to face, so the Falcons could very well be in for their second straight disappointing showing from their offense. And their defensive unit is in the bottom half or worse across major statistics, which should help an LA offense that's in a groove continue to put up points.

It'd be no surprise at all if this line looks foolish in hindsight come next Sunday.

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