NFL Football
2012-09-16 - Tennessee Titans at San Diego Chargers
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NFL Week 2
Sunday 16 September 2012 - Kick Off 4:25pm ET
9:25pm (British Time)
Preview
The San Diego Chargers (1-0) earned a big Divisional win to open up the season on Monday night and now they get a chance to take the lead in the AFC West if they can win their opening home game. They host the Tennessee Titans (0-1) in a Conference game that could have potential Wild Card implications later in the year, particularly for the latter who are trying to bounce back from an opening loss.
The Chargers knocked off the Oakland Raiders in a error-strewn game on Monday night, although they limited their own mistakes to finish with the win. Ryan Mathews looks set to miss out in this one again, and that could force the Chargers to look to Philip Rivers to keep the chains moving again.
Ronnie Brown and San Diego only moved the ball at 1.6 yards per carry last week, but they could find a little more room against the Tennessee Defense this week. Regardless, I don't have a lot of faith in Brown these days and still think the Chargers struggle without Mathews.
Tennessee were carved apart by New England in their opening game, but Rivers isn't playing at the same level as Tom Brady and San Diego may need to convert a few third-and-longs in this one. That means the Offensive Line will be heavily tested by the likes of Kamerion Wimbley and it may be tough for the Chargers to get things going consistently.
On the other side of the ball, San Diego had a very impressive performance against Oakland and their Defense will have to step up again, although it won't be as easy.
Last week they concentrated on keeping tabs on Darren McFadden, but they won't be able to afford that luxury this week as Jake Locker has a couple of deep-threat playmakers that the Chargers will have to look to. That means Chris Johnson should be able to find a little more room after a horrible performance in Week 1, although it won't be plain sailing for Tennessee.
That is because their Offensive Line has had some protection issues and the Chargers should be able to find their way to get to Locker. However, that could also lead to their downfall if the Chargers can't quite get to the Quarter Back.
Head to Head
San Diego have won 7 games in the series since the former Houston Oilers moved to Tennessee, and they have covered the spread in each of those games.
They have won all 4 games at home in that time, including a 33-25 win in 2010 to cover the 6 point spread.
Prediction
I am going to back the Tennessee Titans to do enough and keep within the point spread for the following reasons:
First, I think Tennessee will have more success than they did last week against New England and should be able to move the chains.
Second, I still don't trust San Diego and I am not sure they even win the game against Oakland if the Raiders had not had massive problems with their long-snapper.
Third, San Diego were just 2-4 against the spread as the home favourite last season.
The Pick :
San Diego Chargers 24-20 Tennessee Titans
