Published Oct 29, 11:14am ET by
Paul Lebowitz - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Oct 29, 11:14am ET
Grok AI
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| Tennessee Titans | +9.5 (-115) |
| Los Angeles Chargers | -9.5 (-105) |
LA was a trendy Super Bowl pick after starting the season 3-0. Their opening week win over the Chiefs in Brazil was particularly impressive. They followed that up with victories over the Raiders and Broncos. However, consecutive losses to the Giants and Commanders, a struggle to get past the Dolphins, and a beating at the Colts' hands led to questions, especially about QB Justin Herbert and their injury-plagued defense.
On Thursday Night Football in Week 8, they dominated the Vikings 37-10.
Herbert threw for 227 yards, 3 TDs, and 1 interception. Kimani Vidal led the way on the ground with 117 yards on 23 carries, scoring a TD.
Kimani Vidal over 100 yards rushing 💪
— NFL (@NFL) October 24, 2025
MINvsLAC on Prime Video
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/XkVKWr8CBx
The defense smothered the Vikings' offense and their primary backs, Adam Jones and Jordan Mason.
Khalil Mack's return has bolstered LA's defense.
Their defense is still hovering around the top third in the league in points allowed per game. They've struggled against the rush, ranked 17th in yards per game. The pass defense is ranked 6th in yards allowed per game. They are 21st in takeaway differential at -3.
At this point, the only question with the Titans is whether they will trade stars at the upcoming NFL Trade Deadline on Nov. 4 at 4 p.m. ET. But they have reportedly stated they will not trade defensive stalwart Jeffery Simmons.
Jeffery Simmons is still one of the scariest humans in football, and anyone on opposing offensive lines can get the smoke
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) October 15, 2025
Expect a healthy dose of moving pockets and quick throws from Drake Maye and the #Patriots pass game pic.twitter.com/NNNJUwAWr3
Rookie QB Cam Ward has shown positive signs this season, given the circumstances. He's got a 71.7 passer rating, has thrown 5 TDs, and 6 picks. He's been sacked 34 times for 268 yards. Both lead the NFL.
It's useless to try to assess him one way or the other based on this disastrous season for the team. Whoever the full-time head coach is for 2026, they will have a sound foundation with Ward and their 2026 NFL Draft return, whether they trade the pick for more picks or select a player themselves. They have so many needs, trading the pick could be the wisest course.
There's no dressing up a 1-7 season in which the sole victory was due to a collapse by the Cardinals. As a team, the Titans are near the bottom of the league in every category except defensive passing yards per game. They're 17th there.
It's reasonable to ask how hard the veterans will play for the rest of this season if they're not traded. "Business decisions" are likely.
| PLAYER | STATUS |
|---|---|
| Deane Leonard, LAC | INJURED |
| Derwin James Jr., LAC | INJURED |
| Hassan Haskins, LAC | INJURED |
| Austin Deculus, LAC | INJURED |
| Tarheeb Still, LAC | INJURED |
| Omarion Hampton, LAC | INJURED |
| Ali Gaye, TEN | INJURED |
| Jeffery Simmons, TEN | INJURED |
| Calvin Ridley, TEN | INJURED |
| Bryce Oliver, TEN | INJURED |
| Arden Key, TEN | INJURED |
| Blake Hance, TEN | INJURED |
| Darrell Baker, TEN | INJURED |
| L'Jarius Sneed, TEN | INJURED |
When assessing Week 9 Chargers-Titans in Tennessee, reality must take precedence. Tennessee is plummeting with an interim head coach, trade rumors swirling, and veteran players who will undoubtedly look toward the future.
LAC needs this win in advance of hosting the Steelers in Week 10.
Unless the Chargers fall flat on their face, they should easily cover the spread and hammer the Titans.
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Pick
Los Angeles Chargers -9.5
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