The Los Angeles Chargers hit Music City this weekend in a matchup fans are hoping never gets remotely close. They’ll take on the Tennessee Titans — a team battling for the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and, frankly, not much else.

Outside of trying to see some growth from first overall pick Cam Ward, Tennessee doesn’t have many bright spots to build around this season. They’re watching former coach Mike Vrabel completely transform the New England Patriots, while they’ve handed the controls to tank commander Mike McCoy (yes, that name still makes Chargers fans shudder).

Here are three things the Chargers must do to avoid falling into the trap of another woeful opponent.

1. Don’t Give the Ball Away

This one falls on Justin Herbert and the offensive line. For whatever reason, Herbert’s passes keep getting batted or tipped, and they somehow always find the hands of defensive linemen or linebackers going the other way. Tennessee is atrocious on both sides of the ball, but as we saw in the New York Giants game, even a bad team looks elite when you keep giving them short fields and extra possessions.

Fumbles haven’t been much of an issue this year, so this one’s all about Herbert making good decisions — which he typically does. He just needs to use that monster frame of his to prevent tipped passes and keep the offense on schedule. Protect the ball, sustain drives, and this offense should be able to shred a Titans defense that simply doesn’t have the personnel to hang.

2. Feed Kimani Vidal

This isn’t a call for 30 carries — it’s a call for balance. Vidal doesn’t need to touch the ball on every drive, but he needs to be a steady part of the attack, just like he was in the dominant win over Minnesota. If he plays anywhere near that level again, the Chargers should cruise.

Tennessee can’t defend both phases. If the offense is one-dimensional, the Titans have a chance to hang around. But if the Chargers stay balanced, mixing the ground game with play-action and quick passes, this one won’t be close for long. Vidal doesn’t have to be the star — just the tone-setter.

3. Don’t Let Cam Ward Go Off Script

Cam Ward hasn’t looked great so far, and to be fair, he’s on the worst roster in the NFL. Still, the last thing you want is to let a rookie get comfortable. If the Chargers’ pass rush doesn’t get home, coverages break down, and suddenly you’ve got a quarterback improvising his way into confidence.

Ward’s got a live arm — not always accurate, but dangerous if given time. The Chargers’ pass rush, though, is finally in a great place. With Khalil Mack returning, Odafe Oweh settling in, and Tuli Tuipulotu continuing his breakout, there’s no reason to let Ward breathe. Get in his face early, speed him up, and force him into mistakes. The moment you start chasing him around is the moment things get sloppy.

This game shouldn’t be close — plain and simple. That was said before the Giants game, but it’s even truer here in Tennessee. The Chargers need every win they can get, and there are zero excuses this Sunday. Handle business, keep the foot on the gas, and show everyone that this team isn’t playing down to anyone anymore.