This is a tough match-up for the Titans but they must win it if they want to have a chance of making the playoffs.  It will not be easy.  The Titans must control the clock to protect their defense which means that Chris Johnson will likely have a heavy workload on Christmas Night.  The Titans should have success on the ground as the Chargers are allowing 116.9 yards rushing per game and 4.4 yards per carry this year.  The Titans will also probably use a lot of ball control passing to the TEs and RBs in an effort to keep the clock running and the Chargers’ offense off the field.

The Titans’ defense is crippled right now due to injury as linebackers Keith Bulluck and David Thornton have been lost for the year.  The Titans must blitz more than usual because if Philip Rivers has time to throw the football the Titans will be in big trouble.  The Chargers have a lot of big, physical receivers in Vincent Jackson, Malcolm Floyd and Antonio Gates who will all tower over the Titans’ DBs.  The Titans must also keep an eye on the slowing LaDainian Tomlinson and the speedy Darren Sproles because of the weakness they now have in the front seven.

PREDICTION:  CHARGERS 31, TITANS 23