Chargers QB Justin Herbert (left) and HC Jim Harbaugh (right)Ian Maule/Getty Images
The Los Angeles Chargers are the lower seed, but they’re favored on the road in their wild-card matchup with the Houston Texans.
The Texans struggled late in the season, dropping two of their last three games while averaging only 14.7 points. They also lost wideout Tank Dell, who suffered a season-ending leg injury. Based on those factors, this line seems appropriate.
The Chargers should travel well to Houston. They field the league’s No. 1 scoring defense. Running back J.K. Dobbins is also a healthy complement to the budding connection between quarterback Justin Herbert and rookie wideout Ladd McConkey.
Moton highlighted a troubling trend with the Texans offense. He expects the Chargers to build and protect a healthy lead.
“This isn’t the same Texans team that rose from the bottom of the AFC South to become a division winner last year,” Moton said. “In 2023, they finished with the 13th-ranked scoring offense, led by Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud. This season, Houston has yet to score more than 23 points against a team with a winning record. That’s not going to change against Los Angeles’ No. 1-ranked scoring defense.
“Furthermore, the Chargers offense is back on the right track with Dobbins returning from a knee injury two weeks ago. They enter the postseason with the 11th-ranked scoring offense and the second-fewest turnovers (nine).
“Los Angeles should be able to pounce on a stagnant Houston squad and stay ahead by at least a touchdown with its stout defense.”
Davenport agreed with Moton.
“Laying a field goal with a road team in the playoffs feels like asking for trouble. But these are two teams heading in opposite directions. The Texans got a win in Week 18 but lost the two contests before that—both against AFC playoff teams. The Chargers, on the other hand, have won three in a row, albeit against lesser opponents.
“With running back J.K. Dobbins back, the Bolts are a much better offensive football team than without him. Houston’s offensive line has struggled to protect C.J. Stroud. And given how the quarterbacks have played this season, it’s hard to dispute that Justin Herbert has been the better quarterback. Add in the Chargers’ top-ranked scoring defense, Stroud’s regression in 2024 and Houston’s injury-ravaged wide receiver corps, and the Texans won’t be repeating last year’s success in the Wild Card Round.”
Predictions
Davenport: Chargers
Gagnon: Chargers
Hanford: Chargers
Knox: Chargers
Michelino: Chargers
Moton: Chargers
O’Donnell: Texans
Sobleski: Chargers
ATS Consensus: Chargers -3
Score Prediction: Chargers 26, Texans 20
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
