The Los Angeles Chargers and the Tennessee Titans find themselves heading in opposite directions. L.A. is heading towards another playoff appearance under head coach Jim Harbaugh, while the Titans careen towards the worst record in the league for the second year in a row. Will there be a reversal of fortunes on Sunday?
Los Angeles is a 9.5-point favorite at -535 on the Moneyline, while Tennessee is +400 on DraftKings Sportsbook. The game total is set at 43.5 points.
Let’s dig into my pick and prediction for Sunday’s game between the Chargers and the Titans.
Chargers vs. Titans prediction, preview
Nothing is going right for the Titans this season. Here are some statistics that rank Tennessee in the bottom 10: points per game, points allowed per game, yards per passing attempt, yards per passing attempt allowed, rushing yards per attempt, and rushing yards allowed per attempt. They’re getting mauled in all facets of the game while performing at a very poor level. But hey, at least the Titans have a quarterback.
The Chargers are on much more stable ground. L.A. boasts a formidable passing offense led by Justin Herbert and a solid group of receivers. The run game has weathered the injury to first-round pick Omarion Hampton as Kimani Vidal has stepped up in the rookie first-rounder’s absence. If the breakout from standout rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden continues, who knows how high this offense can go?
The swing factor here is the defense. L.A.’s front seven has struggled to contain the run this season, and the Titans have yet to truly establish the run game with Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. Will the Titans be able to move the ball on the ground and give Cam Ward room to operate? Or will Los Angeles put the clamps down?
Chargers vs. Titans pick, best bet
It’s difficult to envision a scenario in which the Titans’ offense can put up 20+ points against a stout Chargers secondary. It leaves me wondering how they can muster a challenge to the spread, which implies a double-digit win for the Chargers.
Maybe L.A.’s offense comes out flat, which has happened this year. But I’m not counting on it. The road team will roll.
