Chargers (0-1) at Titans (0-1)
Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT, Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee TV: CBS
Spread (BetMGM):
Chargers by 3
Chargers’ keys to victory: Tennessee has an elite run defense, so the Los Angeles offensive line must find a way to neutralize the Titans’ potent pass rush and move the ball through the air. If the pass protection is up to snuff, QB Justin Herbert should have no issue picking apart a suspect Titans secondary that is susceptible to giving up big plays. On defense, LA must stack the box against RB Derrick Henry and force QB Ryan Tannehill to make plays through the air, which proved difficult in the opener thanks to turnovers and shoddy pass protection.
Titans’ keys to victory: The Titans need DT Jeffery Simmons, DE Denico Autry and OLB Arden Key, among others, to get consistent pressure with minimal blitzing. Doing so will allow Tennessee to drop extra help into coverage, where it’ll be needed against the Chargers’ talented group of pass catchers. On offense, Tennessee has to get Henry going to slow down the Chargers’ pass rush and set up play-action, where Tannehill thrives. However, the Titans must be better in pass protection after an inconsistent showing.
Matchup to watch: Chargers DE Joey Bosa vs. Titans LT Andre Dillard. The Chargers are going to stack the box to try to stop Henry in order to force Tennessee to beat them through the air. That will be impossible for Tannehill and Co. if Bosa has his way with Dillard, who was shaky in his Titans debut.
Who wins? The Titans’ defense is going to keep this game close, but a few big plays will be enough to put the Chargers over the top.
Chargers 21-17