The Chargers roll into Houston as 2.5-point favorites, riding a four-game streak of offensive fireworks. Averaging 31.25 points and 371.75 yards per game over the past month, this team knows how to light up the scoreboard. While the Chargers have been lighting up the scoreboard they have struggled a bit in the red zone converting just 56% of their opportunities. However, their defense has been less inspiring, allowing 23.5 points per game and struggling to stop the run—a vulnerability the Texans could exploit.
Houston, on the other hand, has been stuck in neutral offensively. With just 13.67 points per game and a paltry 234.33 yards on average, it’s hard to see them keeping pace with the high-octane Chargers. Defensively, they’ve allowed 343.67 yards per game, including a troubling 63.6% red zone success rate to opponents. Their pass rush has been inconsistent as of late, which could leave Herbert all the time he needs to carve them up. One area the Texans have been good in is 3rd down defense, ranking 6th in the league.
The Texans will need a small miracle—or at least a meltdown from the Chargers—to keep this one competitive. Los Angeles simply needs to avoid stepping on their own toes, a bad habit of theirs in recent years. If the Chargers stick to their script, the leprechaun would say it’s a done deal: Houston might want to pack it in early. Definitely on the Chargers here and lean over.