The Chargers hit the road for a Week 13 road tilt against the Falcons.
Kickoff from Atlanta is at 10 a.m. (PT).
The Bolts are 1-point favorites and the over/under for Sunday's game is 47 points.
Here are five final thoughts ahead of Week 13:
1. Back on the road
It's time to bounce back.
The Chargers sit at 7-4 entering Sunday's road contest with the Falcons, who are 6-5 and in first place in the NFC South.
And while the Bolts still sit comfortably in a playoff spot with six games to go, they know there's a sense of urgency to not let one loss turn into two.
"We have that motivation to get it right," Derwin James, Jr. said. "We want to go out there and get it right as a team. We know we were a couple plays away, we want to fix what we couldn't do right last week."
Morgan Fox added: "This is when you want to try to separate from the pack and try to really dig your feet in the ground for the next step."
Chargers coaches have seen a great response from players this week in practice.
"These guys are chomping at the bit to get back out there," Chargers Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter said. "Basically, you win or you learn, and so it's an opportunity to try to get better and try to get back on track."
He later added: "It's that next opportunity to go out there and try to shape that."
A key storyline in Sunday's game will be how the Chargers offense responds without running back J.K. Dobbins, who won't play and is expected to miss time with a knee injury.
"It's up to us, it's our responsibility to hold it down while he's gone," Justin Herbert said. "We know how much he cares about this team, about our success, about our performances.
"We got to do a good job of making right by him and making him proud," Herbert added.
Defensively, the Chargers will have to slow down a Top-10 offense that features four first-round picks.
Sunday's game starts the final stretch run for the Bolts, with four of their final six contests on the road.
"Life comes with adversity and football is no different," Khalil Mack said.
"You get hit with a lot of different adversity, but it's about how you pivot and how you respond," Mack added. "That's what we're looking forward to this week."
Check out the best photos from the second practice of Week 13 on Thursday at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
2. Can the run defense respond?
A key talking point for the Bolts defense this week is to be better against the run.
The Chargers are coming off their worst performance of the season in that aspect after allowing 212 rushing yards against Baltimore on Monday night.
"We could have done better," Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh said. "Getting off blocks, had a few calls we didn't play right. Led to some big plays.
"They were effective running the football," Harbaugh added. "Just like everything, what's our response? Our response is to own it, fix it. Know we're really capable of making those stops."
Minter added: "I think it was a great opportunity to see where we're at, what we need to do and where we need to go and some things we can improve in. Just look forward to improving in those areas and seeing teams of that caliber down the stretch as we go."
The Bolts next test is Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, who ranks 10th in the NFL with 783 rushing yards on just 167 carries.
Robinson currently ranks third among all running backs with a Pro Football Focus offense grade of 91.6.
"He's an incredible runner," Fox said. "He's fast, he's strong, strong enough to break arm tackles. And he's elusive enough to shake people out in space. He has all the tools in his toolbox to make a lot of big plays."
3. Bolts wary of Falcons safety duo
There's a chance Herbert could have all day to throw Sunday against Atlanta.
The Falcons have generated just 10.0 total team sacks, easily the fewest in the NFL, and the Bolts boast a pair of the league's top offensive tackles in Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt.
One area the Bolts are wary of, however, is Atlanta's secondary that features a pair of veteran safeties in Jessie Bates III and Justin Simmons.
"They've got some very good playmakers on that side of the ball, especially two really good safeties that you have to be aware of," Herbert said. "They're just ballhawks, they go make plays."
Chargers Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman added: "They're really good players, I think the whole league sees it that way. We got to be mindful of where they're at all times."
Herbert has been mindful of keeping the ball out of harm's way this season as he's thrown just one interception, which came all the way back in Week 2.
Entering Week 13, Herbert has extended his franchise record to 282 consecutive pass attempts without an interception.
4. Cousins leads Atlanta offense
Another week, another quarterback test for the Chargers defense.
After getting Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson the past two weeks, Kirk Cousins is on the docket for Sunday.
"An elite veteran quarterback that's seen it all," Minter said. "Very comfortable in that offensive system even though it's his first year, a lot of similarities to what he was doing in Minnesota.
"He's in control," Minter added. "It's a really good quarterback-friendly offense, I would say, for what they try to do with him. The run game sets up a lot of stuff for him."
Cousins joined Falcons this offseason after spending the past six seasons with the Vikings.
"A consummate pro," Harbaugh said. "Outstanding, consistently good every game. He just plays at that high level consistently.
"He's got a knack, great feel for the game," Harbaugh added. "Super tough, competitive as they come. Nothing but respect."
Now in his 10th full season as a starter, Cousins has displayed the consistency Harbaugh alluded to throughout his career.
In those 10 seasons, Cousins has produced an overall PFF grade of 77.0 or better eight times, with five seasons with a grade of 80-plus.
"He's been in the business for a long time, so he just makes really good plays," Fox said. "He knows how to find his targets, knows how to control the offense. He's someone you've got to account for being able to break the game open."
Through 11 games, Cousins has thrown for 2,807 yards with 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Atlanta's passing attack ranks fifth in yards per game (243.6) and eighth in yards per pass play (7.32).
Cousins ranks 15th among quarterbacks in EPA per play (0.118).
Check out the best photos from the first practice of Week 13 on Wednesday at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
5. A look at the takeaway battle
As mentioned above, Herbert's ball security has been elite this season.
In fact, the Chargers lead the NFL with the fewest amount of giveaways with five.
Overall, the Bolts are tied for sixth with the best turnover margin at plus-8.
But the Chargers defense has also not forced a turnover in the past three games, something that has been at the forefront of Minter's mind this week.
"It's something that we constantly talk about and chase," Minter said. "To reference a Coach Harbaugh-ism, I feel it's a little bit like The Olive Jar Theory. We got to get one and then I do think there is real momentum in those things.
"But it's moreso creating your own opportunity versus luck," Minter added.
Atlanta is tied for 21st with a minus-3 turnover margin.
