The Los Angeles Chargers face the Houston Texans on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX. Kickoff is set for 4:30 PM ET in this AFC Wild Card matchup. Both teams aim to advance to the divisional round as the Chargers bring an 11-6 record and the Texans follow closely at 10-7.
In their last meeting on October 2, 2022, the Chargers defeated the Texans 34-24. This marks the first postseason meeting between these two franchises. Houston will look to capitalize on its home-field advantage, while Los Angeles enters with momentum after a strong finish to the regular season.
Los Angeles Chargers Preview – Herbert Leading the Charge
The Chargers enter the playoffs as the AFC’s fifth seed, boasting an 11-6 record and winners of their last three games. Quarterback Justin Herbert has been exceptional, averaging 264.6 passing yards per game this season. In the Week 18 victory over Las Vegas, Herbert threw for 346 yards and two touchdowns, continuing his strong form.
Rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey leads the team with 1,149 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Veteran playmakers like Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack anchor the defense, which ranks first in scoring and excels at pressuring opposing quarterbacks. The defense will need to continue its dominance to limit Houston’s balanced attack.
Despite injuries to key contributors like J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, the Chargers have found ways to stay productive on the ground. Los Angeles could unveil veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott, who joined the practice squad recently, to add depth to their rushing attack.
Houston Texans Preview – Stroud Key to Offensive Success
The Texans secured their second consecutive AFC South title despite inconsistent play late in the season. Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud has been a bright spot, throwing for 50 yards and a touchdown in limited action during the regular-season finale. Stroud has leaned on wide receiver Nico Collins, who leads the team with 1,006 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
Houston’s ground game is powered by Joe Mixon, who has rushed for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. The Texans will need their offensive balance to overcome the Chargers’ stout defensive front. Protecting Stroud from edge rushers like Bosa and Mack will be critical.
Defensively, Houston has excelled in forcing turnovers, ranking fifth in the NFL with 29 takeaways. Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. lead the pass rush, combining for 23 sacks this season. However, their red-zone defense, ranked 27th, remains a concern against Herbert and the Chargers’ potent offense.
Betting Prediction
The Chargers are 3-point road favorites, with the total set at 42 points. Los Angeles brings a top-tier scoring defense and strong offensive production, giving them the edge. However, Houston’s home-field advantage and ability to force turnovers could keep this game close.
Expect a competitive matchup, but the Chargers’ superior talent and momentum make them the better pick to cover. The under is also appealing, considering both teams’ defensive capabilities and Houston’s struggles in the red zone.
Pick: Chargers -3, Under 42
