Wild-Card Round Preview - Chargers @ Texans
For the second year in a row, the Houston Texans are competing in the Wild-Card Round of the playoffs. Last year, C.J. Stroud dazzled on his playoff debut, as the Texans landed 45 points on one of the best defenses in the NFL, in Cleveland. This year, they will be tackling another top defensive unit, but one that benefits from a much more potent offensive threat, headed up by Justin Herbert. With Jim Harbaugh back on the sidelines for playoff football in his first season in charge, it’s hard to see this one being quite so easy for Houston this time around.
Find everything you need to know about timings and broadcast information for the entire Wild-Card weekend and beyond on our NFL page here.
Los Angeles Chargers (5) @ Houston Texans (4)
- When: Saturday, January 11th, 2025. 4:30pm ET
- Where: NRG Stadium, Houston
- TV: CBS, Paramount+
Chargers @ Texans Wild-Card Round Preview
This could be a low-scoring affair, between too very talented and well-coached defenses. Defensive guru DeMeco Ryans has coached up two 10-win seasons in his first two seasons in charge of the Texans, and his defense is a big reason why. This year, they have produced the fourth most sacks, with 49, and the second most interceptions, with 19. Those are some impressive numbers, but you could argue that they won’t even be the best defense to take to the field this weekend.
The LA Chargers have held opponents to just 17.7 points per game this year, which is the lowest in the NFL. They rank 6th in the NFL with 46 sacks, which is bad news for C.J Stroud, whose offensive line have conceded a whopping 54 sacks this year, tied for third in the NFL. This has led to somewhat of a sophomore slump from Stroud, who has thrown for fewer yards (3,727) and touchdowns (20), whilst also seeing his interception tally tick up from 5 to 12.
Injuries and inconsistent line play have been the biggest factor in this, and significant losses to Kansas City and Baltimore in recent weeks are not the confidence boost the Texans wanted entering the postseason. Meanwhile, the Chargers have won three on the bounce and scored at least 34 in all of them. Justin Herbert is firing on all cylinders, Ladd McConkey is a stud as a rookie, and Quentin Johnston is coming off his best game. The vibes are very different in these camps, and it feels like LA are peaking at the right time.
How to Watch Los Angeles Chargers @ Houston Texans
This clash will kick off Wild-Card Weekend at 4:30pm on Saturday the 11th of January, 2025. It will be broadcast on CBS and is available for streaming on Paramount+.
Find up-to-date broadcast information and timings for NFL and college football games on our football page.
Wild-Card Round Prediction: Chargers @ Texans
When you factor in the Chargers’ potent defense and Houston’s offensive line woes, along with the general trajectory of both teams over the last few weeks, it is hard not to see an LA victory here. Jim Harbaugh is as experienced as they come, and gives the Chargers an edge on the sidelines. LA should win here to set up a potential date with the Chiefs.
2024-25 NFL Playoffs FAQs
Who is in the 2025 NFL Playoffs?
AFC: Kansas City Chiefs (15-2), Buffalo Bills (13-4), Baltimore Ravens (12-5), Houston Texans (10-7), Los Angeles Chargers (11-6), Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7), Denver Broncos (10-7)
NFC: Detroit Lions (15-2), Philadelphia Eagles (14-3), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7), Los Angeles Rams (10-7), Minnesota Vikings (14-3), Washington Commanders (12-5), Green Bay Packers (11-6)
How does the NFL Playoff work?
Single-elimination tournament; top seeds earn byes; winners advance to the Super Bowl.
When is the Super Bowl?
Sunday, February 9th, 2025.
Where is the Super Bowl?
Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Who are the reigning Super Bowl champions?
Kansas City Chiefs.
When is Chargers @ Texans?
Saturday, January 11th, 2025. 4:30pm ET
Who is favored to win in Chargers @ Texans?
Los Angeles Chargers (-150) over Houston Texans (+130)
When are the Wild-Card Round Playoff games?
January 11-13th, 2025.
What TV Channel do I need for Chargers @ Texans?
CBS, Paramount+
Author: Venuse, Inc.