Gridiron Experts

San Diego Chargers vs. Tennessee Titans

The San Diego Chargers clinched the AFC West title in Week 15, and are now seeking the second seed in the AFC for a first-round playoff bye. So for those who think that the Chargers have nothing to play for and will be drinking rum & eggnog on the sidelines, you’re wrong. The Titans are fighting to stay alive in the AFC wild-card race and hope to treat their fans to a Christmas victory. At 7-7, Tennessee must win out, and need help from other 7-7 teams to lose, but there is a chance for this once 0-6 team to actually make the playoffs.

The keys to victories for the Chargers:

Double team Chris Johnson on every play. It seems redundant but the Titans entire offense revolves around this amazing running back. Chris Johnson is averaging 123.6 yards per game rushing and is also Tennessee’s leading receiver with 44 receptions for 446 yards. A Linebacker and Safety need to be spying on this kid at all times.

Defensive redzone shut down. The Chargers are an excellent defensive unit that can get to you on any down, but lately opponents have been able to put up points on them while around the 20′s. In the last 27 attempts the Chargers have allowed 12 touchdowns and 10 field goals. Most of the Chargers wins have been very close, and against a powerful desperate Titans squad the Chargers will have to lock it up if they want to continue on their winning streak.

The keys to victories for the Titans:

Get creative on offense. We all know who’s going get the ball on every down, so change it up and keep the defense guessing. Vince Young is really growing into a leader at the quarterback position, and even if the Titans win the next two games there’s no definite playoff appearance. The Titans need to show the fans that regardless of how this season is to play out that this team will be an all around powerhouse in the league next year, not just a one man wrecking crew.

Avoid Mistakes. Deep passes and big plays are the name of the game for the Chargers offense, and if the Titans find themselves watching a rainbow pass go over their heads to one of San Diego’s giant wide receivers, it’s lights out. The Titans need to get to Rivers in the pocket and avoid giving him time to make the big play.

Our Thoughts:

While this game looked to be a wash a couple months ago when the Titans were a terrible at 0-6, it now seems like an extra gift under the tree. This game should be closer than many people think, even with the Chargers a surprising underdog by 3 points, but we think their offense is just too great to overcome even on Christmas. The Titans will keep it close until maybe around the the second half before the Chargers take over and run up the score. Gridiron Experts likes the Chargers by 7.

SAN DIEGO 30-23

Overall: 150-75    |  ATS: 119-105-1

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