Broncos get the Chiefs, Chargers play the Titans, while the Raiders lose their bye week
This week’s AFC West Watch is a short one. The Denver Broncos play in Kansas City against the Chiefs. The Los Angeles Chargers take on the Tennessee Titans, while the Las Vegas get a bye.
So, not much to cover, but I do like making the obligatory, “Raiders lose their bye week” joke.
What’s really at stake here is the battle for second place in the division. The Chargers currently hold that spot. It could happen. The Broncos pull the upset and the Chargers fall apart against the Titans, and there it is. Not impossible, but certainly not on my radar as going to happen.
Titans (2-6, +7.5) at Chargers (5-3, -7.5) O/U 39
The Chargers have spent the entire season struggling with injuries. Joey Bosa has been on the injury report for a hip injury forever. Khalil Mack is dealing with a groin injury that popped up late in the Week 9 win against the Cleveland Browns. He is listed as questionable.
With the roster littered with questionable designations, it still seems likely that most of them will play. Kristian Fulton was listed as doubtful, making him the only player on the list that is probably not going to see any action.
All that is to say that they play a bad Titans team, and should win this game. Jim Harbaugh has the Chargers running the ball effectively, taking pressure off of Justin Herbert. Tennessee ranks last in passing defense, but 9th in rushing defense. That could put Harbaugh’s run first style in a bind, but not likely.
On the flip side, Tennessee’s offense has managed just 15 touchdowns this season, tied for third fewest in the league.
All this to say that the Chargers should come away with a win, and a tighter grip on the second spot in the AFC West.