NFL Preseason Betting Preview: Chargers at Falcons
Two teams with playoff aspirations square off at the Georgia Dome on Saturday night, as the Atlanta Falcons host the San Diego Chargers at 8:00PM ET.
Both teams enter this game with 1-1 records in preseason, with both teams winning last week.
In the Chargers’ 17-6 win over the Cardinals, starter Philip Rivers completed 5-of-7 passes for 116 yards, while LaDainian Tomlinson rushed for 18 yards on eight carries.
The Falcons picked up their first preseason win last week in St. Louis as Matt Ryan completed 7 of his 8 pass attempts for 81 yards and a touchdown to new target Tony Gonzalez. Michael Turner also rushed for 65 yards on seven carries, scored a touchdown and broke a 43-yard run.
Oddsmakers from online sports book SPORTSBETTING.com have made Atlanta a 3-point home favorite over San Diego on Saturday night. The over/under total for this game has been set at 42.5.
The last time these two teams met was in the regular season last year as the Falcons topped the Chargers 22-16 in San Diego. The Falcons also beat the Bolts 21-20 in Atlanta in October of 2004, when Michael Vick was still under center for the Dirty Birds.
The trends heavily favor Atlanta in this matchup as the Falcons are 21-8 against the spread coming off a road game, while the Chargers are just 1-6 ATS off a double digit road win.
Considering that starters usually play into the third quarter of the third preseason game, this should be a tight matchup. Both of these teams have offensive firepower, while San Diego has the better, more experienced defense. Look for this game to be a bit of a shoot out in the Georgia Dome and thus, we recommend betting the over 42.5 as the Falcons try to work out their kinks on defense.
NFL Preseason Week 3: Chargers at Falcons Odds & Over/Under Totals:
San Diego Chargers +3 Over 42.5
Atlanta Falcons –3 Under 42.5