The Los Angeles Chargers are going on the road to take on the Houston Texans in the wild-card round of the NFL Playoffs! The Chargers are coming off a dominating performance against the Las Vegas Raiders, 34-20. Conversely, the Texans are coming off a win against the Tennessee Titans while resting their starters, 23-14. Which of these teams will advance to the divisional round? Will Jim Harbaugh lead the Chargers to their first playoff win since 2018 or will the Texans advance to the divisional round for the second straight year? Let’s dive into this game and cook up a winning slip!
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Houston Texans Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | Money Line |
| Los Angeles Chargers | -2.5 (-115) | Over 43.5 (-105) | -146 |
| Houston Texans | +2.5 (-105) | Under 43.5 (-115) | +124 |
| **Odds Subject to Change** | |||
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Houston Texans Match Details
- Fixture: Los Angeles Chargers @ Houston Texans
- Date and Time: January 11th, 2025 @ 4:30 PM EST
Key Stats
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers are coming off a dominant win last week against the Las Vegas Raiders, 34-20. Justin Herbert had arguably his best game of the season. He completed 28 of 36 passes for 346 yards and 2 touchdowns. Herbert also added 42 rushing yards, including a 41-yard run. Quentin Johnston dominated this game with 13 catches for 186 yards. JK Dobbins returned to form with 63 rushing yards on 18 carries. It’s great to see him get healthy just in time for the playoffs. Jim Harbaugh has done an excellent job in his first season as their head coach.
The Chargers’ defense has been outstanding all year long. For the season, they rank first in points allowed per game, seventh in passing yards allowed per game, 14th in rushing yards allowed per game, first in offensive touchdowns allowed, sixth in sacks, and 13th in takeaways per game.
Regarding injuries, Joshua Palmer, Gus Edwards, and Denzel Perryman are all questionable for this playoff game. In a “rebuilding year,” this season has been a success. Harbaugh has essentially turned every franchise/program he has coached into the same team. Great defense, great quarterback play, and dominated the game physically.
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are coming off a win against the Tennessee Titans, 23-14, last week. Houston rested the majority of their starters after their first drive. CJ Stroud completed all 6 of his passes for 50 yards and a touchdown. Backup running back Dameon Pierce had his best game of the season with 176 rushing yards on 19 carries, including a 92-yard rushing touchdown. The last “full game” we saw the starters in, they got destroyed by the Baltimore Ravens, 31-2. This team has been riddled with injuries on the offensive end.
Despite the injuries on offense, their defense has been above average this season. They are ranked 14th in points allowed per game, 6th in passing yards allowed per game, 11th in rushing yards allowed per game, 15th in offensive touchdowns allowed, 4th in sacks, and 5th in takeaways per game. There is a KEY injury to monitor leading up to the game. Shaq Mason is questionable with a knee injury. If he can’t play in this game, that is a major loss for an interior offensive line that has been struggling all season long. We don’t normally see home teams in the playoffs labeled as “underdogs.”
Prediction
The Los Angeles Chargers are going to defeat the Houston Texans and cover the 2.5-point spread in this game. The Texans are falling into the playoffs and not looking great. Before winning last week, they were on a two-game losing streak and suffered a heartbreaking injury in Tank Dell. On the other side, the Chargers are rolling into the playoffs riding a three-game winning streak.
I don’t believe the Texans can keep up with their limited, hurt offense. This will be an ugly and semi-low-scoring game Herbert will make a few more plays than Stroud. The Los Angeles Chargers move onto the divisional round for the first time since 2018.
