Posted on
1/4/2008 11:38:01 AM
NFL Football Playoff Betting – Titans vs. Chargers
By Tim Furious
Preview Nobody should be impressed by the fact that the Titans made the playoffs. Somehow, the stinging hasn’t subsided from the fact that they edged the Browns in the Wildcard race. Now they face one of the most dangerous teams in the NFL This may be Norv Turner in the playoffs, but the Chargers have been burning teams in to ash in the past five weeks. Do not bet on the Titans to an exception.
Tennessee Offense vs. San Diego Defense
Vince Young lasted the entire season without suffering a season-ending Madden Curse injury. But his offensive production has been atrocious this season. Invincible threw 2,546 passing yards for only 9 touchdowns and 17 terrible picks while achieving a 71.1 passer rating. That is hardly the kind of numbers that calm a betting investor heading up against a secondary that boasts the leagues leader in interceptions, Antonio Cromartie.
The Chargers allow 213.3 passing yards per game, and will take the rushing game of Tennessee away by plugging the middle of the field with their fast and ferocious front-seven. Tennessee will likely be playing catch-up on the scoreboard, meaning that this game will be placed in to VY’s shaky arm. The only thing worse than Vince’s accuracy is his receiving corps, which drops the ball like they’re allergic to pigskin. Finding open men against this fast secondary will be difficult for the Titans.
San Diego Offense vs. Tennessee Defense
Say what you will about Phillip Rivers, but embracing his role as a game manager has allowed this offense to flourish. Chris Chambers has returned to his rightful place as one of the more dangerous number-one receiving threats in the league. The Chargers only average 187.8 passing yards per game. They will play it tightly through the air against an aggressive Titans secondary that averages 199.2 passing yards against.
What can’t be ignored on this Chargers offense is the fact they have averaged 30.2 points per game over the past five weeks. All of those have been victories, including a Week 14 comeback thriller over the Tennessee Titans.
LaDanian Tomlinson has been the focal point of these suped up Chargers. En route to winning the rushing title this season, Tomlinson powered the Bolts to 127.4 rushing yards per game. The Titans may stuff opponents to 92.4 rushing yards against, but they containing LDT for four quarters is a quality that this defense has proven to be incapable of.
NFL Betting Trends
-Tennessee is 1-4 ATS and 0-5 SU in its last 5 games against San Diego
-Tennessee is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing in San Diego
-San Diego is 5-0 ATS and 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
-total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego’s last 6 games at home
Final Verdict
The Chargers took a while to adhere to the coaching (or lack thereof) of Norv Turner. But now the horses are thundering out of the stable and this offense looks to be one of the most balanced and efficient in the league heading in to the playoffs. The Chargers will do their part on defense and force Vince in to mistakes. This front-seven matches up well against Vince, and can contain him if he breaks off in to one of his patented runs. That in itself is enough to make the Chargers a betting favorite in this exciting matchup.
Tennessee Titans (10-6) vs. San Diego Chargers (11-5)
Sunday, January 6th --- Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego --- 4:30 pm EST
Opening NFL Betting Line: San Diego -7 (41)
NFL Playoff Free Pick: Tennessee 16 San Diego 28
> > Check Week 18 Odds Here
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