Game Preview: Los Angeles Chargers vs. Houston Texans

Game Details

• Date:  This week, 2024
• Location: LA
• Kickoff: 1:00 PM ET

Playoff Implications

• The Los Angeles Chargers (10-6) must win this game to guarantee a playoff spot. A loss could see them miss the playoffs if the Miami Dolphins win their game, as Miami holds the tiebreaker based on conference records.
• The Houston Texans (7-9) are already eliminated from playoff contention but will look to end their season on a high note.

Team Stats Overview

Los Angeles Chargers

• Points Scored: 525 (Ranked 5th in the league)
• Points Allowed: 395 (Ranked 10th in the league)
• First Downs: 391 (Ranked 3rd)
• Total Yards: 6532 (Ranked 6th)
• Average Yards per Play: 6.2 (Ranked 7th)
• Rushing Attack:
  • Total Yards: 2156
  • Rushing Touchdowns: 27
  • Average Yards per Carry: 4.5

Houston Texans

• Points Scored: 273 (Ranked 30th in the league)
• Points Allowed: 336 (Ranked 20th in the league)
• First Downs: 250 (Ranked 24th)
• Total Yards: 4475 (Ranked 29th)
• Average Yards per Play: 4.5 (Ranked 31st)
• Rushing Attack:
  • Total Yards: 1420
  • Rushing Touchdowns: 3
  • Average Yards per Carry: 3.5

Key Matchups

• Chargers Offense vs. Texans Defense

  • Justin Herbert has been stellar, passing for over 3,180 yards and 25 touchdowns. His connection with Brandon Aiyuk (1,424 receiving yards, 13 TDs) will be crucial.
  • The Texans' pass defense has struggled at times, so expect Herbert to target Aiyuk and Keenan Allen early and often.

• Texans Offense vs. Chargers Defense

  • Baker Mayfield leads the Texans, with 3,110 passing yards and 19 touchdowns. He will rely on Brandin Cooks (657 yards, 8 TDs) and Dalton Schultz (635 yards, 5 TDs) to move the chains.
  • The Chargers will need to apply pressure on Mayfield to disrupt his rhythm and force turnovers.

Injury Report

• Chargers: Key players are healthy, including Justin Herbert and their star wide receivers.
• Texans: Mayfield's performance has been up and down, but he remains the starter.

Final Prediction

The Chargers come into this game with everything on the line, needing a win to secure their playoff spot. Their high-powered offense should overwhelm a struggling Texans defense. Houston has shown flashes but lacks the consistency to compete with a motivated Chargers team.

Final Score Prediction: Los Angeles Chargers 31 - Houston Texans 17

The Chargers will secure their playoff spot with a decisive victory, putting pressure on Miami in the final week. 🏈