3 key matchups: Chargers at Falcons

FLOWERY BRANCH -- Here are three key matchups to watch when the Falcons (4-4) host the Chargers (4-3) at 1 p.m. Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium:

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler vs. Falcons LB Mykal Walker: The Chargers run their offense through Ekeler, who has 137 touches for 737 yards and eight touchdowns. Walker compared him with San Francisco’s Christian McCaffrey and New Orleans’ Alvin Kamara. Walker ranks second on the team with 79 tackles.

Chargers DT Austin Johnson vs. Falcons LG Matt Hennessy: Johnson (6-foot4, 314 pounds) is a load in the middle of the defense. He has 19 tackles and sack. Hennessy is slated to make his first start at left guard since his rookie season, with Elijah Wilkinson out. He lost his battle to retain his starting center spot.

Chargers S Derwin James vs. Falcons TE Kyle Pitts: James can play at all three levels, and they move him around. James, who played at Florida State, is sturdy in coverage and fine on blitzes. Pitts, who has been under-utilized, had five catches for 80 yards and a touchdown against the Panthers.

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Atlanta Falcons 2022 schedule

Sept. 11: Saints 27, Falcons 26

Sept. 18: Rams 31, Falcons 27

Sept. 25 Falcons 27, Seahawks 23

Oct. 2 Falcons 23, Browns 20

Oct. 9 Buccaneers 21, Falcons 15

Oct. 16 Falcons 28, 49ers 14

Oct. 23 Bengals 35, Falcons 17

Oct. 30 Falcons 37, Panthers 34 OT

Nov. 6 vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 1 p.m.

Nov. 10 at Carolina, 8:15 p.m.

Nov. 20 vs. Chicago, 1 p.m.

Nov. 27 at Washington, 1 p.m.

Dec. 4 vs. Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.

BYE WEEK

Dec. 18 at New Orleans, TBD

Dec. 24 at Baltimore, 1 p.m.

Jan. 1 vs. Arizona, 1 p.m.