At this point in the NFL season, teams can not afford bad losses.
There is too much on the line in terms of playoff seeding, that a hiccup could be fatal.
Well, there were a few playoff-caliber teams that suffered bad losses on Sunday.
Here are two NFL teams that suffered big losses on Sunday.
Atlanta Falcons
Coming into Sunday with a record of 5-7, the Falcons were still in the NFC South race.
Hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, was a great chance for the Falcons to keep pace.
But, they had an abysmal showing on Sunday.
The Falcons lost the game 19-16, and quarterback Marcus Mariota was a big reason why.
The veteran threw for 167 yards in the game with one touchdown and one interception.
Falcons coach Arthur Smith said “Everything is on the table” going into the bye week when asked about a potential change at quarterback
— Jeff Schultz (@JeffSchultzATL) December 4, 2022
But, the lack of explosive plays on offense for Atlanta is alarming.
Mariota is a limited player and when he can not use his legs, the Falcons struggle to do anything.
This was a game the Falcons needed to stay in the playoff picture but blew their opportunity.
Los Angeles Chargers
With of record of 6-5 on the season, and chasing one of the wild-card spots in the AFC the Los Angeles Chargers needed a win.
Yet, facing a Las Vegas Raiders team with a worse record, the Chargers lost the game.
It just seems like the Chargers are in close games every week.
Their offense and defense have yet to play complementary football as one side seems to let the other down.
Chargers are 6-6 with a worse point differential than the Panthers and Falcons. Fundamentally, they are not a good team. 5 of the 6 wins were one score games, and the other win came vs the Texans.
Not hard to see the only reason they aren’t 3-9 or worse is Justin Herbert.
— Arjun Menon (@arjunmenon100) December 5, 2022
With their run defense, being one of the worst units in the NFL.
Now with a 6-6 record the Chargers are on the outside looking in at the playoff picture.
It does not get any easier for them as they face the Miami Dolphins next week.
