Despite both sporting a 7-6 record, the Tennessee Titans and Los Angeles Chargers are on two very different trajectories.
The Titans are spiraling out of control after losing three-straight games, two of which were of the blowout variety. And, while the Titans still control their own destiny in the AFC South, the Jaguars and Colts are inching closer.
The Chargers are coming off an impressive win over the Dolphins and have won two of their last three. Los Angeles is also jockeying for playoff position, with the Chargers coming into this game as the No. 8 team.
The Titans desperately need a win in this game to right the ship, but this is an even bigger game for the Chargers, as they can jump up as much as two spots in the playoff picture with a win and losses by the Pats and/or Dolphins.
Tipico Sportsbook and the majority of NFL experts are picking the Chargers to win, but what does our staff think? Let’s find out.
Shaun Calderon
It’s no secret that the Titans enter this game a desperate, yet banged-up football team. It will likely take a tremendous effort in this one to overcome all the adversity bestowed upon them.
However, in the end, Mike Vrabel finds a way to prevent his team from losing four-straight games for the first time under his watch.
Final score: Titans 22, Chargers 20
Tyler Rowland
I went into this week thinking the Tennessee Titans were primed to get things going back in the right direction. After seeing the injury report and seven Titans ruled out, though… I still feel the same.
These teams are bad matchups for each other. I think the Titans win that battle of strengths and Derrick Henry has a monster day.
Final score: Titans 24, Chargers 23
Mike Moraitis
I’m sorry, I just don’t see how the Titans win this game given the absences of Denico Autry, Kristian Fulton, Amani Hooker and Treylon Burks.
We’ve seen what this defense looks like without Fulton and Autry, now factor in Hooker not playing against an elite Chargers passing attack and you have the makings of another disaster.
Justin Herbert is one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL and the Titans won’t have the pass-rush to make him uncomfortable. Even if they do, Herbert can escape with his legs, and we know the Titans struggle with that.
The secondary also has to contend with an elite route-runner like Keenan Allen, and a massive human in Mike Williams, who has the kind of size, strength and contested-catch ability that has given Tennessee fits.
Yes, the Chargers sport one of the worst run defenses in the NFL, but the Titans also sport one of the worst offensive lines in the league that is capable of making any front look elite.
The Titans will need to score a ton of points to win this game, and they can’t hope to do that with an offensive line that is struggling in both phases, and especially in pass protection.
And, oh yeah, Tennessee’s offense won’t have its best weapon through the air in Burks, making it less likely this team can keep up with the inevitable offensive onslaught the Chargers will bring.
I hate to be so negative, but that’s just the reality of the situation the Titans are facing right now. Chalk this one up as another loss for Tennessee.
Final score: Chargers 31, Titans 17
Ryan Sikes
Seven players are out for the Titans in this one, including wide receiver Treylon Burks.
I don’t see this going particularly well for the Titans… on the road… against Justin Herbert. Tennessee falls to 7-7 on the year and has their first four-game losing streak of the Mike Vrabel era.
Final score: Chargers 27, Titans 17
