Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

NFL Week 2: Los Angeles Chargers vs. Tennessee Titans betting picks, preview

By Matt Wiesenfeld | Last updated 9/13/23

Both of the teams lost last week to start the season. They are different in almost every other way but both know that starting the season 0-2 can be a "death sentence." That puts a lot of pressure on both sides as they try and show they are still relevant in the AFC. In the case of the Chargers the coach might already be on the hot seat.

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Tennessee Titans Betting Trends and Odds

Sunday, September 17, 2023 - 1 p.m. ET

Odds: Los Angeles -3, Over/under 46, Los Angeles -155 | Tennessee +135

The oddsmakers know that the public loves home underdogs so they do not set this line lightly. The public especially likes a home dog of 3 or more points so it will be interesting to see if we get any real movement on this one. L.A. had more hype coming into the season as a team looking for redemption, while the markets were not very high on Tennessee overall.

Picks for Los Angeles vs. Tennessee

Chargers -3, Chargers -0.5 1st Quarter (+120)

The Chargers played a wild game against Miami last week. The offense was in pretty good form, but they had no answer for Tyreek Hill (not many do). This week, even though they are on the road, Tennessee is a much easier team to game plan for and with top QB Justin Herbert directing a potent offense the Chargers should have the Titans playing catchup all game long. Their reliance on RB Derrick Henry keeps the offense at least half-functional, but playing from behind is not their thing. We might start seeing rookie quarterback Will Levis before too long, but it is also not Ryan Tannehill's fault he does not have much to work with in the passing game.

Correlated with the side play, I also like the Chargers to get off to a good start. Herbert is so good at moving the ball down the field and has the weapons to strike quickly. I was surprised we are getting such a good payoff for this one given the other lines. Even if Tennessee gets the ball and grinds out a long first drive I feel good because odds are it is just a field goal. Tennessee could not get in the end zone last week against New Orleans.

I really like that Q1 play, a great chance for a quick payoff you can reinvest.

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