The Tennessee Titans are traveling to Los Angeles to take on the Chargers in Week 10. Both teams won in Week 9, with the Titans entering this contest at 2-6 and the Chargers at 5-3.
Understandably, the Chargers are seen as the favorites. BetMGM has them as a 7.5-point favorite at home.
These teams have certainly had different seasons. The Titans are already looking toward 2025, while the Chargers are looking to return to the playoffs.
Here are five things to know ahead of this AFC matchup.
The Titans have not had success in California
Sep 17, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (32) is tackled by Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. (9) after a short gain during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Since coming to Tennessee, the Titans are 0-8 when playing the Chargers on the road. Six of those losses came in San Diego, one came in London, and one came in Los Angeles.
Whether it be the time difference or bad luck, the Titans’ problems against the Chargers transcend coaching staffs. It will be interesting to see if the streak ends in Week 10.
A reunion for several players
Sep 17, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) scores against Tennessee Titans cornerback Elijah Molden (24) during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
The Titans added Sebastian Joseph-Day and Kenneth Murray Jr. to the defense this offseason. Both players played significant roles on the Chargers in the past.
On the flip side, the Chargers now roster Kristian Fulton, Hassan Haskins and Elijah Molden. All three players were drafted by the Titans before moving on to LA. Teair Tart and Bud Dupree are other former Titans who now play for the Chargers.
Matchup of first-year coaches
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – NOVEMBER 03: Head coach Brian Callahan of the Tennessee Titans looks on during the first half of the game against the New England Patriots at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)
Brian Callahan and Jim Harbaugh are both in their first seasons with their teams. Harbaugh is far more experienced, however, having coached college football and the NFL previously.
Can Callahan pull a few tricks out to get the edge over his veteran counterpart? Neither coach has fully had time to build his team exactly how they want, so it will be interesting to see the dynamic.
The Chargers lead the league in points allowed
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
No team in the NFL allows fewer points per game than the Chargers. This could be a problem for the Titans who have problems scoring against BAD defenses.
If the Chargers score 17+ points, it’s hard to predict a Titans’ win. This defense will try to force turnovers, which the Titans have been known to do in 2024. The Titans will need their defense to force some turnovers of their own in this one.
The Chargers have won two blowouts in a row
Oct 27, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) celebrates his touchdown scored against the New Orleans Saints with wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The Chargers have had two consecutive games that weren’t all that competitive. Two weeks ago, they beat a reeling Saints team 26-8. Then, last weekend, they dominated the Browns 27-10.
Can the Titans buck that trend? Even with a loss, seeing the Titans look competitive would be encouraging. Given the team’s lousy record, a close game would feel like a moral victory.
