Expert prediction
LA Chargers vs. Houston Texans NFL Wild Card Preview, Odds, Prediction (Jan 11)
- Nikola Velickovic
- Jan 8, 2025 at 8:44 AM EST
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- Chargers vs. Texans AFC Wild Card clash brings the No.5 and the No.4 in the conference.
- LA Chargers are slight favorites, with the NFL odds on them set at -155.
- Houston won the AFC South division.
Jim Harbaugh boys are in the playoffs and have a nice chance to win a game here. They travel to Houston to meet the Texans, who aren’t playing at the highest possible level.
- Check out NFL Wild Card Game: Steelers vs. Ravens Preview, Odds, Prediction (Jan 10)
How To Watch
- When: Saturday, January 11, 4:30 pm ET
- Where: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
- How To Watch: CBS, Paramount+
NFL Wild Card Season Odds
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| LA Chargers | -155 | -3 | 42.5 |
| Houston Texans | +135 | +3 | 42.5 |
Game Preview
The Chargers found their rhythm at the best possible moment. They ended the regular season with three wins in a row, beating the Broncos at home and the Patriots and Raiders on the road. In these three events, LAC’s offense scored 108 points. Meanwhile, the Chargers allowed the fewest points in the NFL this year, 301.
Justin Herbert has been very rational this year, having 23 TD passes and only three interceptions. However, JK Dobbins isn’t fully fit to play, and even if he appears on the field, he could be a bit slower than usual.
The Los Angeles Chargers are entering the playoffs with the fewest points allowed in the NFL. 🔒 pic.twitter.com/NEfWc0kWlR
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) January 7, 2025
On the other hand, the Texans had back-to-back defeats vs. the Chiefs in Kansas City and at home against the Ravens. The latter was a demolition, with the guests from Baltimore winning 31-2. Now, we know that they have plenty of injuries, but this is unacceptable.
Houston defeated the Titans in the last round, 23-14, but to be honest, the Tennessee team was chasing the top pick at the upcoming draft. They didn’t want to play with 100% of their power.
Chargers vs. Texans Head to Head
This is the first meeting after two and a half years. The Chargers beat the Texans on the road in the previous clash, 34-24. The all-time series record is 6-3 in favor of the Chargers.
Chargers vs. Texans Prediction
We all know that Harbaugh knows how to play games like these, especially against “weaker” teams. With all due respect, the Texans wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for such a weak division. We don’t have any doubts about the Chargers victory.
- Free NFL playoffs pick: Chargers win
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