The Falcons had some big wins last offseason, and most of them paid off. Atlanta leads the weak NFC South by two games with a record of 6-5.
The Falcons host the Chargers this weekend for a big Week 13 game. Both teams are in the thick of the playoff race in each conference, with Los Angeles likely destined for a Wild Card spot.
Here are five Falcons players the Chargers need to keep an eye on:
RB Bijan Robinson
Defensive coordinators don't sleep well when they realize they're facing Bijan Robinson on Sunday. The Texas native is already one of the most dynamic players in the league in his second NFL season. He has averaged 103.8 scrimmage yards per game and scored seven total touchdowns this season. He is also a dynamic threat out of the backfield, having caught 45 passes, the fourth-most among running backs.
TE Kyle Pitts
With Atlanta finally having a competent quarterback, Pitts was better in 2024. In 11 games, he has 35 catches for 494 yards and three touchdowns. He's had just a single catch in two of his last three contests, so the Falcons may make it a point to get him involved early. Pitts poses a matchup problem due to his unique combination of speed and size, and the Chargers will likely use Derwin James to slow him down.
OG Chris Lindstrom
Lindstrom has developed into one of the best, if not the best, guards in the league. He dominates the line of scrimmage of the Falcons offense, which opens up big avenues for Robinson in the running game. The Chargers' defensive line has been outstanding of late, so this is another important game to keep an eye on in Week 13.
LB Nate Landman
Landman has played in just seven games (all starts) for the Falcons this season. However, he made quite an impression with three forced fumbles and 52 total tackles in those starts. The undrafted linebacker has made 21 starts over the past two years and has become a legitimate contributor for Atlanta. The Chargers need to protect the ball, especially around Landman.
S Jessie Bates
The Falcons signed Bates to a four-year, $64 million contract in 2023, and he was worth every penny. The seventh veteran has emerged as arguably the best safety in all of football. In 2024, Bates has 70 tackles, two interceptions, six pass deflections and four forced fumbles, a career-best. He's on pace to secure his second straight Pro Bowl appearance, and the Chargers need to make sure Bates doesn't take over Sunday's game.
