Among the many things Jim Harbaugh has done in upgrading the Chargers this season is getting a career year from Justin Herbert in terms of all-around play.

Look for Herbert to have a big performance against a Falcons defense that ranks 26th in pass defense and has an NFL-low 10 sacks. By comparison, the next lowest team in sacks is Carolina with 17. On top of this, the Falcons went into their bye with a cluster injury problem in their secondary. It's far from a given they will have some of these defensive backs available.

The Chargers have great defensive numbers. But their defense is not dominant because it can't stop explosive offenses. The Chargers built their defensive numbers going against six bad/backup type quarterbacks.

But when the Chargers met the Ravens and Bengals during the last two weeks, they surrendered 30 and 27 points.

The Falcons are in the middle. Not as explosive as the Ravens and Bengals, but Kirk Cousins is a major upgrade on these quarterbacks the Chargers have been fortunate to face: Gardner Minshew, Bryce Young, Justin Fields, Spencer Rattler, Jameis Winston and Will Levis.

The Falcons should have a good game plan having had an extra week to prepare. The time off should allow underrated Darnell Mooney to be able to play, joining Cousins' other weapons Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts.