Los Angeles @ Tennessee preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 21, 2018 ) Tennessee 19, L.A. Chargers 20

The Tennessee Titans have benched Marcus Mariota as the veteran Ryan Tannehill will be the starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the visiting Los Angeles Chargers. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 draft, Mariota never has lived up to that billing, and coach Mike Vrabel stated that he made the move because the offense needs a spark.

Tannehill, who started 88 games for Miami from 2012-18, relieved Mariota in last week's 16-0 loss to Denver and completed 13-of-16 passes for 144 yards. "I didn't know what was going to happen when I signed here," the 31-year-old Tannehill told reporters of his offseason choice to join the Titans. "But obviously, I love playing the game, love being on the field, love competing with the guys in this locker room. So I am really excited to go out and hopefully lead this team to wins." Both Tennessee and Los Angeles are aiming to avoid three-game losing streaks, but there seemingly is more urgency for the Chargers as they were forecasted to be one of the AFC's better clubs. Philip Rivers has thrown four of his six interceptions in the last two games for the Chargers, whose trip to Nashville begins a stretch during which they play five of seven games on the road.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Titans -2. O/U: 39.5

ABOUT THE CHARGERS (2-4): Melvin Gordon, who came up empty during his holdout for a better contract, has rushed 20 times for just 49 yards in two games since returning and believes the solution for his sub-par play is to get more carries. "There's no rhythm you can get into with eight carries, I don't care what running back you are," Gordon told reporters of his workload last week, when he rushed for 18 yards in a loss to Pittsburgh. "I get stronger down the line. But when you get eight carries ... You never get a feel for the game." Defensive end Melvin Ingram (hamstring) could miss his third straight game, and his pass-rushing abilities would be missed as the Chargers were unable to sack Steelers rookie Devlin Hodges last Sunday.

ABOUT THE TITANS (2-4): Mariota was 7-of-18 passing for 63 yards and two interceptions before being yanked against Denver and the club's offense ranks 28th in the NFL in scoring (16.3 points per game) and 27th in yardage (290.5). "It's a tough pill to swallow, but for me as an athlete, I can learn and grow," Mariota said of the demotion. "For me, my expectation is to be the best player I can be. To the day that I die, I'll believe that I gave it all I've got. No matter what, I can learn and grow from this situation. This isn't going to bring me down, this isn't going to end my career." The defense has been stout as it hasn't allowed more than 20 points while ranking fifth in scoring defense (15.3) and eighth in yardage allowed (321.8).

EXTRA POINTS

1. Gordon rushed for a career-high 196 yards in his lone appearance against the Titans in 2016.

2. Tennessee DL Jeffery Simmons (knee), the 19th overall pick in this year's draft, is practicing with the team for the first time and there is a chance he will be activated for Sunday's game.

3. Los Angeles TE Hunter Henry (knee) had eight receptions for 100 yards last Sunday in his first action since getting injured in Week 1.

PREDICTION: Chargers 24, Titans 20