Above Image Credit: Houston Chronicle
When: Saturday, Jan. 11, 4:30 PM EST
Where: NRG Stadium (Houston, TX)
Channel: CBS/Paramount+
The NFL wild card playoffs begin as the Los Angeles Chargers face the AFC South champion Houston Texans.
What to Expect
This will the 10th Chargers vs. Texans game in NFL history. The Chargers have a 6-3 overall record in the series.
Their last meeting was October 2022 in the regular season. The Chargers defeated the Texans, 34-24. However, this game will be an entirely different experience.
One of the highly-anticipated clashes in this game will be between Chargers QB Justin Herbert and Texans QB CJ Stroud. This game will mark Stroud’s first meeting against Herbert.
Both quarterbacks have already racked up plenty of big numbers this season. Herbert has 332 completions out of 504, 23 touchdowns, and three interceptions. Stroud, on the other hand, has 336 completions out of 532, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Offenses on both sides could experience some complications as a star on both teams are questionable for this Saturday. The Chargers could be without RB J.K. Dobbins, who was limited during practice on Wednesday with an ankle injury but is expected to play. Houston could be without John Metchie III who was also limited during practice with a shoulder injury but is also expected to start.
Chargers vs. Texans: Final Prediction
These mid-card playoff teams have a lot to do to get to the big game. In my opinion, though, I don’t see either one making the Super Bowl. It would take a miracle for that to happen.
The Chargers could have a tough time on the offense if Dobbins doesn’t get the green light. If he does, however, LA has to be wise in using him. The same will go for Houston when it comes to Metchie.
However, Texans RB Joe Mixon has been quite a standout. With over 1,000 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns recorded this season, he is someone Stroud can rely on in the running game. He’s also someone with a lot of playoff experience.
Now, one way for the Chargers to have the best chance of outsmarting the Houston defense will be to steer clear of DE Danielle Hunter. He’s tied with 12 sacks this season, the 5th most in the league. If he keeps aiming and nailing Herbert, Los Angeles doesn’t stand a chance.
Their second obstacle is DE Will Anderson, Jr., who has 11 sacks (10th in the league). Him and Hunter together are practically unstoppable, which is bad news for the Chargers.
Best I can say to whomever wins this game is, “Good luck in the next round. You’re gonna need it.”
