Tennessee Titans vs Los Angeles Chargers Preview (12/18/22): Betting Odds, Prediction, Depth Chart

Talk about a tale of two different outcomes. Division leading Titans were manhandled by the lowly Jags while the Chargers put together an incredible scheme to upset the Tua led Dolphins. With both sitting at 7-6 and battling for playoff spots in a tough AFC conference, this makes up for an intriguing matchup. Can the Titans bounce back?

Tennessee Titans vs Los Angeles Chargers Betting Odds

Oddsmakers don’t think so as they opened the Titans at +5. Bettors were quick to disagree, buying the Titans to as low as +3 as of writing. While the Chargers win last week was very impressive defensive scheme wise, this is still a team that has been decimated by injuries on that side of the ball and may lack the quality needed to match up with the run heavy Titans. 

As for the total, oddsmakers set it at 45.5 with bettors quick to pounce on the over. Taking it up to 46.5, bettors believe both offensive units will take advantage of each other’s weaknesses on the defensive end. The Chargers are in for a long night against the Titans run game while Tennessee’s secondary has struggled as of late against the pass with Justin Herbert on deck.

Tennessee Titans vs Los Angeles Chargers Prediction

The Pick: Titans +3

While I initially wanted to take the over, I was bummed to see it had already passed the key number of 45. Should it dip right away to that buy point, I will plan on taking the over as well as my initial pick. In the meantime, I will grab the Titan’s +3 as I not only get the key number, but also believe this is a great Titan’s bounce back opportunity.

They come in with a massive offensive advantage and that is none other than their patented Derrick Henry led run game. Fumble aside, he comes into this one off the back of another great outing, running for 121 yards and one touchdown on 17 attempts. His attempts were limited as the Titans played mainly from behind, forcing them into more passing situations.

As for the Chargers ability to limit Henry’s rushing production, it may be a struggle as the Chargers rank as one of the worst Def Rush DVOA in football. Ranked near dead last in Def Rush and as an overall unit, the Titan’s should have zero issue moving the ball down the field after establishing the run.

Establishing the run is vitally important for the Titan’s early on as this allows them to bury opposing secondaries with the play action. Forcing opposing secondaries to step up and help bring down Henry leaves them vulnerable to get thrown over the top. It’s not as if the Chargers have a good secondary anyways, a unit that is ranked well below average in Def Pass DVOA.

Betting Trends

• Titans are 5-1 ATS in their last six road games
• Titans are 14-5 ATS in their last 19 road games against teams with winning home records

Key Injuries

Tennessee Titans Injuries: Teair Tart (Q), Kristian Fulton (Q), Tre Avery (Q), CJ Board (Q), Treylon Burks (Q)

Los Angeles Chargers Injuries: Trey Pipkins III (Q), Derwin James Jr (D), Sebastion Joseph-Day (Q), Bryce Callahan (Q)

Key Matchups

Will the Titans be able to limit the Chargers pass attack?

Titans secondary vs Justin Herbert

While the Titan’s should have little issue moving the ball down the field, their success will mainly rely on the backs of their defense in limiting the Chargers offensive production. Especially in the secondary, as the Chargers pass game has been rounding into form with the return of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.

This may be easier said than done as the Titans secondary ranks well below average in Def Pass DVOA. Their defensive line will need to generate pressure to the backfield and capitalize on Justin Herbert’s limited mobility while he still deals with a rib injury.

Verdict

Take the Titans at no lower than +3 in what will be a bounce back opportunity for their playoff hopes.

Tennessee Titans Depth Chart

QB: Ryan Tannehill
RB1: Derrick Henry
RB2: Dontrell Hilliard
LWR: Robert Woods
RWR: Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
SWR: Treylon Burks
TE1: Austin Hooper

Los Angeles Chargers Depth Chart

QB: Justin Herbert
RB1: Austin Ekeler
RB2: Sony Michel
LWR: Mike Williams
RWR: Keenan Allen
SWR: Joshua Palmer
TE1: Gerald Everett