Chargers Aim to Keep Rolling as Titans Fight for Survival in Week 9 Showdown
The Los Angeles Chargers are heading to Nashville this Sunday to take on the struggling Tennessee Titans in a Week 9 matchup that feels like a crossroads for both teams — but for very different reasons. The Chargers, sitting at 5-3, are pushing to solidify their playoff position in the AFC West. Meanwhile, the Titans, with just one win in eight games, are trying to find something—anything—to spark life into their season. Kickoff at Nissan Stadium is set for 1 p.m. Eastern, airing live on CBS and streaming on NFL+.
For Tennessee, all eyes will again be on rookie quarterback Cam Ward. His growth has been one of the few bright spots this season. Ward recently became the first Titans quarterback since Marcus Mariota in 2015 to complete 20 or more passes in four consecutive games. He’s crossed 250 passing yards in three of his last four outings, showing steady progress. But with only five touchdown passes this year, the offense still struggles to find rhythm. The Titans know that if Ward is to succeed, he needs help from the backfield.
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That’s where Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears come in. Pollard leads the team in scrimmage yards, while Spears is coming off his best game of the year, racking up 82 total yards and scoring his first touchdown. If the Titans can establish a balanced attack, they might keep Justin Herbert and the Chargers’ high-powered offense off the field for stretches — something that could make a real difference.
Defensively, Tennessee has plenty to worry about. Herbert enters this matchup as the NFL’s passing leader with over 2,100 yards. He’s surrounded by weapons like Keenan Allen, rookie standout Ladd McConkey, and tight end Oronde Gadsden, who’s been on fire with 309 yards and two touchdowns in his last three games. The Titans’ young secondary, now featuring rookie Marcus Harris after Roger McCreary’s trade, will have its hands full. Generating pressure on Herbert will be crucial, and while Tennessee’s pass rush has improved lately with 14 sacks since Week 4, they’ll need even more disruption to slow down the Chargers’ air attack.
Stopping the run is another must for Tennessee. After being gashed for 153 rushing yards by Jonathan Taylor last week, the Titans can’t afford a repeat performance. Los Angeles will likely rely on Kimani Vidal, who’s averaged over 130 rushing yards per game since becoming the starter in Week 6.
For the Titans, this game carries heavy implications. At 1-7, their playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. Statistically, teams that start 2-7 have made the postseason less than 1% of the time. It’s grim, but pride, development, and locker room belief are all still on the line. The Chargers are clear favorites, but as every NFL Sunday reminds us, anything can happen when the whistle blows.
This Week 9 clash isn’t just about standings — it’s about survival for Tennessee and momentum for Los Angeles.
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