Chargers at Texans Pre-Game Discussion (Wild Card Round)

[Bolt4Knob]

I bet Bronco fans are saying if they can get by the Bills they'd love a Chiefs game too

I just realized that if Denver, Chargers and Steelers win - the Chargers would HOST the Steelers

Denver did play KC tough in the first game. Chargers played them tough as well

Chiefs in the playoffs - they have another level. Granted, Chargers are scoring better than they have all year. I would welcome the matchup over either Buffalo or Baltimore

First things first - its about Houston

[Formula 21]

We lost to AZ and got whacked by TB, both of which are comparable to Houston. This game is not a gimme and the Chargers have to bring their A Game to win.

It’s playoff time. The Bolt’s play has to move up another level.

And no looking ahead to a possible KC matchup. Focus on today.

[Formula 21]

Would be nice to get the talking head clowns off his back. He's a gamer. I predict he will raise his game to a new level (especially with 2 good ankles).

And especially with that big smile.

[OG619FrightninLightnin]

We lost to AZ and got whacked by TB, both of which are comparable to Houston. This game is not a gimme and the Chargers have to bring their A Game to win.

It’s playoff time. The Bolt’s play has to move up another level.

And no looking ahead to a possible KC matchup. Focus on today.

If the O line has to be shuffled around again on Sunday, I put our chances at 50/50

[Bolt4Knob]

If the O line has to be shuffled around again on Sunday, I put our chances at 50/50

If the Chargers do not have Slater
I would keep Alt at RT
and figure out LT.

I also think if they have this week to figure out the alignment, easier than on the fly yesterday

[Bolt4Knob]

We lost to AZ and got whacked by TB, both of which are comparable to Houston. This game is not a gimme and the Chargers have to bring their A Game to win.

It’s playoff time. The Bolt’s play has to move up another level.

And no looking ahead to a possible KC matchup. Focus on today.

Not sure Houstons offense is playing like Tampas offense

That said, you are right, Chargers need to bring it early. Especially on offense. Yesterday, three drives stalled on third and really manageable - can't have that

[Formula 21]

The Texans have good coaching too.

[Formula 21]

Chargers vs Texans Wild Card: Expert Analysis & Picks


BY RICH CREW | JAN 6, 2025 | NFL

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AFC Wild Card: Chargers (-3) at Texans
Date: January 11, 2025
Time: 4:30 PM ET
Venue: NRG Stadium
Current Line: Chargers -3 (-110)
Total: 43.0
Money Line: LAC -165 / HOU +140 The Rundown


The Chargers are rolling into the playoffs with some serious momentum – we’re looking at a 7-3 record in their last 10 games, with an even more impressive 8-2 ATS mark. Herbert’s been playing out of his mind this season with 23 TDs to just 3 INTs, the kind of ratio that keeps defensive coordinators up at night. He’s maintaining elite efficiency too, averaging 7.7 yards per attempt.
Key Efficiency Metrics:
Chargers: 5.7 yards/play (14th)
Texans: 5.3 yards/play allowed (4th)
Scoring Efficiency: LAC 23.6 PPG (12th) vs HOU 21.9 PPG allowed (13th) Team Analysis

Los Angeles Chargers


Look, the numbers tell us everything we need to know about the Chargers’ offensive evolution. Herbert’s been dealing lately – just check out his last game where he carved up the defense with a 77.8% completion rate and 346 yards. When you pair that with his season-long TD-to-INT ratio of 23:3, you’re looking at one of the most efficient quarterback performances we’ve seen this year.
Chargers Situational Performance:
Road Record: 6-3 SU
First Quarter Scoring: 5.1 points (10th)
Red Zone TD%: 58.3% Get $60 of FREE member picks & predictions


(NO commitments. NO Credit Card. NO Salesman.)

Get $60 Picks Credit Houston Texans


Houston’s defensive metrics stand out, particularly their pass defense allowing just 6.2 yards per attempt (2nd). Their home field advantage has been significant, posting a 5-3 record at NRG Stadium. The defense has been particularly strong in the second quarter, allowing just 5.1 points (5th).
Texans Offensive Struggles:
• Haven’t exceeded 227 passing yards in last 5 games
• Only 2 games over 300 yards passing (none since Week 5)
• Key Injuries: Stefon Diggs (IR), Tank Dell (IR)
• John Metchie III (Questionable – Head)

The Texans’ passing game faces significant challenges against the Chargers’ 7th-ranked pass defense. While their receiving corps could arguably be the NFL’s best at full strength with Collins, Diggs, and Dell, injuries have severely depleted their options. The questionable status of Metchie III further compromises their passing attack, potentially forcing them to rely more heavily on their ground game. Key Matchup Focus


The key statistical mismatch emerges when we look at the passing game capabilities: while the Chargers maintain a potent aerial attack even with a depleted receiving corps, the Texans’ passing game has been severely limited, failing to top 227 yards in their last five games. Herbert’s exceptional 23:3 TD-to-INT ratio and consistent efficiency will face a Houston team that’s lost its top weapons in Diggs and Dell, with Metchie III now questionable.
Defensive Matchup Metrics:
Chargers Sacks Taken: 2.6 per game (19th)
Texans Sack Rate: 2.9 per game (5th)
More Free NFL Picks: Weekly Betting Predictions >>> Trends to Watch

• Chargers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games
• Under is 6-4 in Chargers’ last 10 road games
• Chargers averaging 27.2 points in last 5 wins

The Bottom Line

Score Prediction: Chargers 23, Texans 13



Best Bets (⭐ to ⭐⭐⭐):
⭐⭐⭐ Under 43 (-110)
⭐⭐⭐ Chargers -3 (-110)
⭐⭐ Texans Team Total Under 20.5
⭐ First Half Under 21.5

The defensive metrics and recent scoring trends point toward a lower-scoring affair. The Chargers’ superior offensive efficiency should ultimately prevail but expect Houston’s top-ranked completion percentage defense to keep this close. The Under looks particularly appealing, given both teams’ first-quarter scoring patterns and the Texans’ strong situational defense.

[Formula 21]

The short week works for the Bolts advantage if Metchie III doesn’t recover in time.

[AFboltfan]

If the Chargers do not have Slater
I would keep Alt at RT
and figure out LT.

I also think if they have this week to figure out the alignment, easier than on the fly yesterday

Why? Just curious on your reasoning.

[Formula 21]

[Formula 21]

Funny, they don’t sound scared to me.