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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Mike Moraitis and Shaun Calderon

Titans vs. Chargers: Staff predictions for Week 2

The Tennessee Titans are hoping to avoid an 0-2 start when they host the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2 at Nissan Stadium. The Chargers are in the same boat after dropping their home-opener last week to the Miami Dolphins.

The injury report revealed some bad news for the Titans, as both safety Amani Hooker (concussion) and cornerback Kristian Fulton (hamstring) aren’t going to play in this game.

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Two other starters aren’t certain to play, as wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (ankle) and left guard Peter Skoronski (illness) are both questionable.

The Chargers won’t be at full strength, either, as running back Austin Ekeler is doubtful and edge rusher Joey Bosa is questionable after getting in one limited practice the entire week.

Shaun Calderon and I are back to making our predictions for this upcoming game after we both fell flat in Week 1 when we picked the Titans over the New Orleans Saints. Let’s see what we’ve cooked up this week.

Shaun Calderon's prediction

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

I honestly feel as if this one could go either way. Both teams are undoubtedly motivated to get their first win of the year, so I believe it’s going to be a dogfight up until the final whistle.

I hope I’m wrong with this prediction, but I think the Chargers ultimately have too much firepower, combined with the unknown revolving around DeAndre Hopkins’ availability.

Thus, in the end, L.A. squeaks out a close one on the road to go to 1-1 on the year.

Final score: Chargers 26, Titans 23

Mike Moraitis' prediction

Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Tannehill is going to have a bounce-back game and the Titans’ offense finally scores its first touchdowns of 2023. However, a better offensive performance simply won’t be enough in this one.

The absences of Amani Hooker and Kristian Fulton will prove to be huge and the Titans’ secondary will struggle to cover Los Angeles’ top pass-catchers when the pass-rush isn’t getting pressure on Justin Herbert.

It’ll be close, but the Titans fall to 0-2 to start the season.

Final score: Chargers 27, Titans 24

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