For the first time since 2011 the Tennessee Titans have reached the midway point of the season and they don’t have a losing record. It’s quite an accomplishment for a team that had just five combined wins over the previous two seasons. There is finally reason for optimism with the Titans, but before we go proclaiming them as playoff contenders, keep in mind the four teams they’ve defeated have a total of nine wins. Tennessee will attempt to climb over .500 with a Week 9 visit to the San Diego Chargers.
Kickoff for this regular season Week 9 game is set for Sunday, November 6, 2016, at 4:25 p.m. ET at Qualcomm Stadium.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Tennessee Titans +4.5
San Diego Chargers -4.5
Over/Under 48
Odds Analysis
The home team is getting a majority of the early action but it’s hard to imagine the spread being wagered much higher. San Diego faces a critical part of its schedule with two home games before its bye and they’re both winnable contests. The Chargers are 2-1 SU and ATS at Qualcomm and entering the off week at .500 would be a huge accomplishment. It’s still hard to take the Titans seriously and the home team looks good laying the points. The total is intriguing. Both teams are 6-2 on the over and 48 is well within reach.
Injury Report
Perrish Cox – Tennessee’s cornerback missed the last outing with a concussion and the secondary will be challenged by Philip Rivers if Cox is unable to return. The Titans allowed Blake Bortles to throw for 337 yards and three scores, but they held on for the win.
Jatavis Brown – The Chargers linebacker sustained a knee injury against the Broncos and could be out of action. It would be another blow to the already ravaged roster. Brown took over when Manti Te’o went down with a knee injury earlier this season and emerged as a force at the middle level.
Matchup to Watch
Mike Mularkey preached smash-mouth football when he took over the Titans. The coach wanted his team to run the football and be successful at it, and that’s been the case so far in 2016. The Titans acquired former Offensive Player of the Year DeMarco Murray and drafted Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry to bolster the backfield. Murray has returned to his award-winning form, already surpassing his rushing total from last season with four 100-yard rush games. He’s the main reason why the Titans have the third-best rush offense in the NFL with 152.2 yards per game.
More importantly, the ground attack has allowed Marcus Mariota to efficiently run the offense. When the Titans are able to run the football, the entire unit is that much better. In Thursday’s win over the Jaguars, Tennessee ran for over 200 yards with Murray accounting for 123. Mariota threw just 22 passes for 270 yards and two touchdowns. Tennessee doesn’t win if Mariota makes mistakes and plays poorly. He’s less likely to do that if the backs chew up the yards. With Murray nursing a bad toe, his production could be hindered. Putting the game in Mariota’s hands could be the Titan’s downfall.
Free ATS Pick
The Titans have put together a pretty strong offensive attack led by the NFL’s third-best rushing attack. Even if Murray is limited, Henry is more than able to pick up the slack. The key, however, is Mariota. The No. 2 pick from a year ago has benefitted the most from an improved running game and clearly is a better quarterback when the game isn’t his to decide. He’ll face a Chargers defense that has been hit hard with injuries now that Brown could be out of the lineup. The secondary is a mess with several key performers ailing and the Titans will take their shots.
The one thing about San Diego that keeps them in games is Rivers. Unlike Mariota, Rivers has the fate of the franchise riding on his shoulders, and that’s a lot to ask. Rivers will find a way to keep his team in the game, but Tennessee’s diverse offense is a lot for the beleaguered Chargers to defend. The conditions are ripe for plenty of points making the over a good play and the Titans resurgence will continue with a road victory.
NFL Odds: Titans 27, Chargers 24
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