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Three Last-Minute Titans vs. Chargers Predictions

Heading into the bye week, the Tennessee Titans are looking to upset the Los Angeles Chargers.
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Elic Ayomanor (5) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Calvin Ridley (0) during the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025.
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Elic Ayomanor (5) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Calvin Ridley (0) during the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025. | Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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With one game left before their bye, the Tennessee Titans are set to begin a four-game homestand. There's a very real possibility they will be 1-8 going into not just their bye week, but the trade deadline as well.

It'll be plenty of players last time playing in a Titans uniform as they take on a Los Angeles Chargers team that continues to get better. Mike McCoy's revenge game won't be easy, but there's one key player that could steal a win for Tennessee.

Tyjae Spears Finishes With 100+ Yards

Tyjae Spear
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (2) looks for a hole through the New England Patriots defense during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. | Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Chargers biggest flaw is defending the run. If Tennessee can find a way to run the ball efficiently, it will not only make quarterback Cam Ward's life easier, but it'll open everything else up. Running back Tyjae Spears has outplayed RB Tony Pollard since coming off the IR.

With rumors of Pollard being traded, it should be the Spears show at Nissan Stadium. His snap count continues to rise, and it's clear all of the training wheels are off and he's back to 100% health. A dominant effort from Spears will be the main way Tennessee can steal a win.

Chig Okonkwo's Farewell Touchdown

Chig Okonkw
Sep 7, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo (85) makes a catch against the Denver Broncos in the first half at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

When McCoy named Okonkwo an "extra captain", the writing was on the wall. Okonkwo, who's on the fourth and final year of his rookie deal, is likely being traded at the deadline.

The Titans still have rookie tight end Gunnar Helm, who just caught his first career touchdown last week. With Helm continuing to learn the system and get more and more comfortable, there's no need for Okonkwo, in Tennessee's eyes. Making Ward lose another weapon is far from idea, but Okonkwo will get his first (and only) Titans touchdown this season against LA.

Justin Herbert Does it All

Justin Herber
Oct 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) runs for a first down as he is stopped short of the goal line by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson (55) in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

After trading cornerback Roger McCreary, it's hard to imagine a scenario where Herbert doesn't light up this Titans defense. He was extremely efficient against them last year, finishing 14/18 for 164 yards with a touchdown. He had nine carries for 32 yards in that game with a rushing touchdown as well.

The Titans should be able to defend the Chargers minimal run-game, but Herbert is most dangerous when he can use his legs as well. If he wasn't good enough throwing the ball, his dual-threat abilities set him apart as one of the best in the league.

Last week, Herbert was 11 yards shy of 300 combined. He threw for 420 yards against the Indianapolis Colts two weeks ago, so one can only imagine what he'll do to this Titans defense.

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Jordon Lawrenz
JORDON LAWRENZ

Jordon Lawrenz serves as the Eastern United States College Recruiting beat writer On SI. Jordon is an accomplished writer covering the NFL, MLB, and college football/basketball. He has contributed to PFSN’s and Heavy’s NFL coverage. Having graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay with a Sports Communication and Journalism degree, Jordon fully embraced the sports writing lifestyle upon his relocation to Florida.