Game Preview: Los Angeles Chargers vs. Tennessee Titans
The Los Angeles Chargers (5-3) are set to face the struggling Tennessee Titans (1-7) this Sunday at 1 p.m. EST on CBS. The betting odds from BetMGM have the Chargers as heavy favorites, with a spread of 9 1/2 points. So far this season, the Chargers have been successful against the spread with a record of 3-4-1, while the Titans have only managed a 2-6 record in such games.
The series between these two teams has seen the Chargers take a commanding lead with a 30-19-1 record. Their most recent meeting was a 27-17 victory by the Chargers in Los Angeles on November 10, 2024.
Recent Performances
In their last game, the Chargers dominated the Vikings with a final score of 37-10, while the Titans suffered a defeat at the hands of the Colts, losing 38-14.
Chargers' Performance
- Offense: Ranked 4th overall, 12th in rushing, 4th in passing, and 16th in scoring.
- Defense: Ranked 7th overall, 17th in rushing, 6th in passing, and tied for 11th in scoring.
Titans' Performance
- Offense: Ranked 32nd overall, 32nd in rushing, 31st in passing, and 32nd in scoring.
- Defense: Ranked 26th overall, 26th in rushing, 17th in passing, and 29th in scoring.
Turnover Differential
The Chargers have a turnover differential of -3, while the Titans are at -4, indicating that both teams have struggled with ball security.
Key Players to Watch
Chargers: QB Justin Herbert
Herbert is currently leading the NFL in passing yards with 2,140. He has thrown for 16 touchdowns and seven interceptions this season. In his past two games, he has thrown for three touchdowns each time. Additionally, Herbert ran for a season-high 62 yards in his most recent game.
Titans: Cam Ward
As the No. 1 overall pick, Ward has continued to struggle with turnovers and sacks. Over the past four games, he has thrown for 1,001 yards, which ranks sixth in the NFL between Week 5 and October 26.
Key Matchup
The Titans' offense will be tested against the high-powered Chargers' unit led by Herbert. Tennessee is currently ranked last in the NFL in total yards per game and points per game. Meanwhile, the Chargers are averaging more points per game than the Titans have managed in any single game this season.
Key Injuries
Chargers
- CB Tarheeb Still is out due to a knee injury.
- S Tony Jefferson (hamstring) is also out.
- S Derwin James Jr. (ankle) will play.
- RG Mekhi Becton (injured knee) is questionable.
- S Kendall Williamson is limited due to an Achilles tendon issue.
- DB Deane Leonard (knee) is questionable as he returns from injured reserve.
Titans
- DT Jeffery Simmons (hamstring) will miss his second straight game.
- WR Calvin Ridley (hamstring) will miss his third straight game.
- OLB Arden Key (quadricep muscle) will miss his fourth straight game.
- S Xavier Woods (hamstring) is out.
- CB Darrell Baker Jr. will play after clearing the concussion protocol.
Series Notes
These two teams are founding franchises of the American Football League, and this is their 51st game since 1960. The Chargers have won 12 of the past 15 games. The Titans won the previous game in Nashville in overtime. The Chargers' nine-game winning streak ended in 2013 during Mike McCoy's first season as head coach. This will be McCoy's third game as the Titans' interim coach.
Stats and Highlights
- The Chargers lead the NFL in converting third downs at a rate of 48.7%.
- RB Kimani Vidal had 127 yards from scrimmage and his first career rushing TD last week.
- WR Keenan Allen needs two catches and 21 yards receiving to achieve his 12th season with at least 50 catches and 500 yards receiving.
- TE Oronde Gadsden has 19 catches for 309 yards and two touchdowns in his past three games. He is one of three rookie tight ends with at least 300 yards receiving in a three-game span since 1970, alongside Brock Bowers and Kyle Pitts.
- LB Khalil Mack had a sack and his 33rd forced fumble of his career. He has recorded a sack in three straight games.
- LB Tuli Tuipulotu had two tackles for loss and his sixth sack of the season last week.
- This is the first of four straight home games for Tennessee, wrapped around a Week 10 bye.
- Titans rookie Chimere Dike leads the NFL with 1,294 all-purpose yards, the most by an NFL player through eight games since Darren Sproles had 1,331 for New Orleans in 2011. Dike had a career-high seven catches for 93 yards last week.
- OLB Dre'Mont Jones has had a sack in each of the past three games.
- NT T'Vondre Sweat has a sack in each of the past two games.
- The Titans have combined for seven sacks over the past two games.
- LB Cedric Gray has 55 total tackles in his past five games, ranking second among NFL players from Week 4 through last week.
Fantasy Tip
Consider taking Herbert against a weakened Titans' defense, especially a secondary that has been significantly affected by injuries and trades.