Posted on 12/6/2007 7:01:10 PM

NFL Betting Free Picks - San Diego vs. Tennessee

By Tim Furious

Preview In perhaps the toughest game to gauge this weekend, the San Diego Chargers will take their two-game win streak in to the home of the loudest crowd in the NFL. The Titans gladly welcomed back Albert Haynesworth, who was the cornerstone Tennessee needed to anchor its defense with. A solid victory over the Houston Texans has put the Titans in a position to challenge for a wildcard spot, but the Chargers won’t just hand it to them, especially with the AFC West title within reaching distance.

San Diego Offense vs. Tennessee Defense

Haynesworth is making a strong case for defensive player of the year. Without the big run-stuffer, the Titans rushing defense fell to seventh overall, allowing 93.9 yards per game throughout the season. And his presence will be needed as Tomlinson comes in to Nashville after posting a 197 total yards performance (177 rushing, 20 receiving) against Kansas City.

In the past three meetings of these teams, the Titans haven’t belonged in the same building. They met last season and San Diego destroyed them 40-7 at Qualcomm. Why is there reason to think that the same will happen this weekend? Largely it has to do with Chris Chambers which has revamped and rejuvenated the Chargers’ passing attack. Between Torture Chambers and the unstoppable Antonio Gates, defenses have had immense difficulty stopping Philip Rivers through the air.

The Titans give up 200.1 passing yards through the air, but are very vulnerable to big plays. And when the Chargers are peaking, like they are now, they are all about the big play. Rivers has averaged 238.8 passing yards over the last three games and the Titans have suffered with Pacman Jones making it rain on the sidelines. Expect Rivers to be the one raining in touchdowns as the Titans offense focuses intently on stopping LDT.

Tennessee Offense vs. San Diego Defense

To say that Vince Young has found his footing this season is an understatement. Normally a scrambling game breaker with his feet, Vince has been moving the chains through the air with solid passes and good defensive reads. He has averaged 264.0 yards through the air in the past four games, with four touchdowns over that span.

The San Diego secondary is slightly questionable, but the emergence of electric playmaker Anthony Cromartie, who had two picks and five solo tackles against the Chiefs. Expect Cromartie to continue to assert himself in the lineup against a hapless set of Titans receivers that often appear allergic to the football. The Chargers allows 222.8 passing yards through the air, but have played considerably much better in the secondary since defeating Indianapolis.

The rushing defense for San Diego must return to its rabid state. If last week’s eight-sack performance was any indication, then the Chargers are well on their way to returning to a defensive force. And that means trouble for a stiff, yet large, offensive line for the Titans that has trouble blocking around the edges.

NFL Betting Trends

-San Diego is 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games

-San Diego is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tennessee

-Tennessee is 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games

-Total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tennessee’s last 6 games at home

Final Verdict

Perhaps the most telling betting trend for this matchup is that the Chargers are undefeated in three games against Tennessee. Vince Young, as good as he has been in the past, has simply not been enough to bust up spreads like he used to. The Chargers are peaking at the perfect time, and are quickly becoming the team you simply do not want to face in the playoffs. With the AFC West title within reach, look for the Chargers to explode all over the Titans, who have yet to discover a way of stopping the big play.

San Diego Chargers (7-5) vs. Tennessee Titans (7-5)

Sunday, December 9th --- LP Field, Nashville --- 1:00pm EST

Opening NFL Betting Line: San Diego / Tennessee (41)

NFL Betting Free Pick: San Diego 27 Tennessee 14

> > Check Week 14 Odds Here

The 2007 NFL betting season is here in full force! If you like to bet on the NFL, you are in the best possible place for online betting. The BetUS sportsbook has NFL odds up on a ton of futures, and you will also find NFL lines up for early games as well. Join BetUS today and we'll help guide you right through to Super Bowl XLII and beyond!