Will the Chargers Offense Make or Break Them Against the Titans?
The Los Angeles Chargers are at a pivotal point in the 2025 season, as each game could bring them closer to the playoffs. Currently, the Chargers have a 58% chance of making the playoffs, but this figure could soar to 68% with a victory against the Titans. Conversely, a loss might drop their odds to as low as 45%, intensifying the stakes for their upcoming game. As the Bolts aim to hopefully appear in their first Super Bowl, the Chargers are relying on their offense since they are holding the AFC’s second Wild Card slot, just above Kansas City. On the other side of the coin, many Tennessee fans have the lingering question: Will the Titans get their first win at Nissan Stadium in nearly a year when they play the Chargers this weekend?
The Chargers' offensive strategy has been what has kept them strong thus far, as Justin Herbert remains one of the most reliable quarterbacks in the NFL. The former Oregon QB has set the tone from the very beginning of this season in the Sao Paolo opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, against quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Herbert is not just playing the game intelligently, but he’s playing with passion and his heart on his sleeve. During that game, he threw for 318 yards and had three touchdowns, establishing a strong foundation for his teammates. Thus, Herbert can hopefully exploit the Titan’s defensive holes, as edge rusher Arden Key was missing at Wednesday’s practice due to an injury he sustained against the Cardinals almost a month ago. The 29-year-old has missed the team's last three games, and with Key not present this week, this gives Herbert more opportunities to make big plays with other players like Keenan Allen and Oronde Gadsden II on offense.
The Tennessee Titans will be depending on Cam Ward, their rookie quarterback, who has displayed glimpses of promise but still has trouble under pressure. This will be their third game with interim head coach Mike McCoy, who is familiar with the Chargers’ franchise. Ward's ability to maintain composure in the pocket will be put to the test in this game against an experienced defense led by DC Jesse Minter. During their game last week against the Indianapolis Colts, the Titans' QB was taken down five times. Therefore, the Titans are relying on their offensive line to hold up while Ward delivers passes to rookies like Chimere Dike, who had his career-best seven catches for 93 yards in Week Eight.
The Chargers are also feeling the pressure, as wide receiver Ladd McConkey was limited at practice on Wednesday and Thursday from sustaining a calf injury. This setback could affect the Chargers’ offensive strategy on Sunday if he is not cleared in time. In addition to the typical big names, the Chargers have recently seen additional offensive standouts make their presence known. As of late, Zion Johnson has been one of Herbert's most useful linemen, keeping the pocket orderly and leaving enough time for effective throws. Johnson is a versatile offensive lineman who protects Herbert underneath a four-year-long, $14 million contract with the Chargers. This includes a seven-million-dollar signing bonus.
Overall, the Chargers' offense's ability to maintain composure and consistency under duress will be put to the test on Sunday. Los Angeles will have a good chance of keeping their playoff dreams afloat if they take full advantage of Tennessee's defensive shortcomings and protects Herbert. The Chargers' momentum and veteran experience will be tested against a young Titans team seeking its first home win of the year. Now, even though they are expected to rely on their muscular defense and rookie quarterback Ward, the Chargers might make this game one of their most memorable victories of 2025 if they maintain their discipline and let their offense set the pace of the game.
