Houston Texans v Los Angeles Chargers: Prediction, Tips and Odds

The Los Angeles Chargers will face an unfamiliar foe when they travel to NRG Stadium to take on the Houston Texans in Saturday’s NFL Wild Card playoff matchup.

These teams have met just nine times since the Texans entered the league in 2002 and never previously in the postseason.

The Chargers are making only their second playoff appearance since the 2018 campaign, but head coach Jim Harbaugh brings plenty of experience from his time at the San Francisco 49ers.

Los Angeles won their final three regular season games to finish 11-6, good enough for second place in the AFC West, while the Texans clinched the AFC South title for the second consecutive season.

Houston, who beat the Tennessee Titans in their regular season finale, were blown out in the Divisional Round by the Baltimore Ravens a year ago.

Houston Texans v Los Angeles Chargers prop best - tips and predictions

Los Angeles Chargers Money Line  - 5/8

The Chargers are favoured by a field goal for this contest, which seems justified given their strong finish to the regular season and the Texans' current injury concerns.

Los Angeles have shown they can put up points in bunches, which could prove challenging for Houston to match.

The Chargers' offence has been particularly effective during their three-game winning streak where they have outscored every other team in the NFL.

Quarterback Justin Herbert has thrown for over 280 yards and multiple touchdowns in those wins over the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots and the Las Vegas Raiders.

He has also taken only three sacks in those games, underlining the improvement in Los Angeles’ offensive line play.

The Chargers’ ability to score quickly could put pressure on the Texans early and force them out of their comfort zone.

Houston's success this season has been built on a strong defence and efficient offence.

Quarterback C.J. Stroud threw for 3,727 yards and a 63.2% completion percentage with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, but he was sacked 52 times.

A reshuffled Houston offensive line without right guard Shaq Mason was able to keep him upright in Sunday’s 23-14 win over the Titans, but the Chargers’ pass rush is much better.

And the Texans’ two top pass rushers have cooled off late in the season with Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr, who tallied 23 sacks between them this year, mustering a combined total of only three in Houston’s last four games.

Home-field advantage will count for something, but all three of Houston’s home defeats came in the second half of the season while the Chargers have won four of their last five road games.

Los Angeles Chargers - Over 112.5 rushing yards - 20/23

While Herbert has been putting up impressive numbers in the passing game, the Chargers rushing attack has also had a great end to the regular season.

Los Angeles churned out over 115 yards on the ground for the third game running last Sunday when they beat the Las Vegas Raiders 34-20 in Sin City.

J.K.Dobbins had the lead role in the backfield in the absence of Gus Edwards and that looks likely to be the case again on Saturday, although the Chargers have made an interesting late-season addition to their running back room.

Two-time former rushing champion Ezekiel Elliott is joining after his release by the Dallas Cowboys and may see some action.

His acquisition shows how committed to the run the Chargers are likely to be in the postseason.

They will fancy their chances of moving the chains by utilising their ground game against a Texans defence that has allowed over 113 rushing yards in seven of their last 15 games.

Houston gave up 251 yards on the ground to the Ravens in Week 17 and, although Herbert is not as mobile as Baltimore QB Lamar Jackson, he can still scramble when needed - as he did when picking up over 40 yards against the Raiders.

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Houston Texans v Los Angeles Chargers money line, spread, over/under

	Money Line	Spread	Over/Under
HOU Texans	27/20	+3.0 - 5/6	Over 42.5 - 10/11
LA Chargers	5/8	-3.0 - 1/1	Under 42.5 - 10/11

Over 42.5 total points - 10/11

Despite both teams boasting solid defences, the total of 42.5 points seems achievable given the offensive talent on display.

The Chargers have averaged 36 points per game during their current winning streak while the Texans have shown they can put up points when needed.

This season, Houston’s games have resulted in an average scoring total of 44.5, which is 2.0 points higher than the over/under for this clash.

View the full market and more odds for Houston Texans v Los Angeles Chargers on site.

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.