Falcons vs. Chargers: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

The undefeated Atlanta Falcons (2-0) head to the West Coast to take on the undefeated San Diego Chargers (2-0) in one of the best matchups of Week 3.

It’s too soon to say if either one of these teams is a legitimate contender, though their divisions are certainly ripe for the taking.

In the NFC South, the Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints have looked bad at times and awful at others in the early running of 2012.

For the Chargers, they may have the easiest challenge ahead in the AFC West. The Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders have been anemic while the Denver Broncos were decisively beaten by these Falcons one week ago on Monday Night Football.

Nothing is certain in the AFC West, though. The Chargers are 6-6 against their divisional foes and have been unable to separate themselves from the mediocrity of the division over the past two seasons.

A type of game of this magnitude, this early in the season, is a momentum builder that may help convince one of these teams that their early success will translate into the postseason.

Where: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

When: Sunday, Sep. 23 at 4:05 p.m. ET

Watch: FOX

Live Stream: DirecTV Sunday Ticket (Pay Service)

Listen: NFL Audio Pass

Odds: San Diego Chargers -3 (via BetOnline)

While the Chargers will likely win this game, it’s going to be close. Go with the Falcons to stay close but fall short in the end.

Last week, the Atlanta Falcons intercepted legend Peyton Manning three times and stifled the Broncos’ offense in the early going. Manning’s bad night is attributable to a terrible start in which he threw those three picks in the first quarter. He looked like he was lacking zip on his passes and made poor decisions under pressure.

The Chargers, though, have been firing on all cylinders as of late. Their offense torched the Tennessee Titans through the air on the strong arm of Philip Rivers. It’s a matchup of a good offense against a good defense.

Over/Under: 47.5 (via BetOnline)

Go with the under on this one.

Both the Falcons and Chargers have explosive caliber offenses, but each will be hampered by the effectiveness of the opposing defense.

The Chargers’ defense has stifled opposing rushing games, allowing a league-best 41.5 yards per game after two games. That’s a problem for the Atlanta Falcons who have been miserable running the football so far in 2012.

Atlanta’s defense has been good at creating turnovers and holding leads, but it has also surrendered a considerable amount of yards through both the air and on the ground.

Key Injuries (via CBSSports.com and NFL.com)

Chargers

DE John Abraham	Knee	Limited Participant in Practice	Probable
WR Julio Jones	Thigh	Limited Participant in Practice	Probable
T Tyson Clabo	Hip	Limited Participant in Practice	Questionable
WR Roddy White	Knee	Limited Participant in Practice	Probable
LB Sean Weatherspoon	Thigh	Limited Participant in Practice	Questionable
RB Antone Smith	Hamstring	Did Not Participate in Practice	Out
CB Christopher Owens	Head	Did Not Participate in Practice	Out
LB Stephen Nicholas	Thigh	Limited Participant in Practice	Probable

Falcons

RB Curtis Brinkley	Knee	Full Participant in Practice	Probable
TE Antonio Gates	Ribs	Full Participant in Practice	Probable
T Jared Gaither	Back	Did Not Participate in Practice	Out
WR Eddie Royal	Shoulder	Full Participant in Practice	Probable
TE Dante Rosario	Calf	Full Participant in Practice	Probable
CB Shareece Wright	Foot	Did Not Participate in Practice	Questionable
RB Ryan Matthews	Clavicle	Full Participant in Practice	Probable

Keys to Falcons Win: Establish the Run

Atlanta is only rushing for 75.5 yards per game with Michael Turner and Jacquizz Rodgers in the backfield. Clearly, there has been a significant shift from the previous year in both philosophy and execution for the dirty birds.

If the Falcons abandon the run early against the tough Chargers’ rush defense, this game may get lopsided. The last thing Matt Ryan wants to see is the Chargers' defense pinning back its ears and coming after him all afternoon.

Keys to Chargers Win: Pressure Matt Ryan

Atlanta is struggling to move the ball on the ground, but will need to establish the run against the Chargers on Sunday. If San Diego is up to the challenge and stuffs Michael Turner—it’s open season on Matt Ryan.

Their pass rush will need to be on top of its game, though, because the Falcons’ passing game is as high-flying as it gets in the NFL right now. After two games, the team has created pressure on the quarterback, but has only recorded three sacks so far.

Prediction: Chargers 24, Falcons 21

The Week 3 West Coast trip will prove to be too much for the Atlanta Falcons, who are usually successful on the left coast. Over the past two years, the Falcons are 2-0 on the West Coast, winning both matchups against the Seattle Seahawks. They’re also 7-1 against the Chargers all-time.

The Chargers, though, are playing great defensive football and have a competent offense to keep the team in the ballgame and make plays when necessary. They aren’t as explosive as in years past, but Philip Rivers can control the football and keep the defense rested up.

Look for an exciting and close game in San Diego this weekend. One with a huge Chargers win at its final whistle.

Follow @BigHoagowski

Mike Hoag is a Breaking News Team writer with Bleacher Report and also covers the Cleveland Browns and the NFL for the site.