King of Props: Charging toward the finish line

In the race to make the NFL playoffs, Week 15 represents the head of the stretch. The Chargers and Titans enter it neck and neck, sporting identical 7-6 records after getting off to slow starts. But because Tennessee has the clear inside track to win the dismal AFC South, today’s game means more to Los Angeles – and we’re backing a throwing thoroughbred to show a strong closing kick:

The bet: Over 298½ passing yards for Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (FanDuel)

One of the prizes of the 2020 draft class, Herbert has justified his selection as the sixth pick by accounting for 98 touchdowns through his first 45 games. But he has posted 300 passing yards just four times this season.

Herbert is undoubtedly thrilled to enter today’s contest with a complete arsenal of weapons. It’s no coincidence that he threw for a season-high 367 yards in last Sunday’s victory over the Dolphins, as wideouts Keenan Allen and Mike Williams both played a full game for the first time all year.

Meanwhile, the Titans boast a stout run defense that allows the second-fewest yards per game and per play. Their opponents correspondingly pass the ball at the league’s highest rate in neutral situations – and the Chargers do so regardless of the team they’re facing.

The circumstances this afternoon are simply ideal for a pocket passer. Playing in the pristine conditions of SoFi Stadium, Herbert should produce enough yardage to put us in the winner’s circle.