Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 1/11/2025 4:30 PM EST

We have your Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Los Angeles Chargers hit the road to face the Houston Texans.

Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans Odds Info

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Best Moneyline Odds: Los Angeles Chargers -156 (FanDuel) / Houston Texans +132 (FanDuel)
Best Spread Odds: 3.0 - Los Angeles Chargers -105 (BetMGM) / Houston Texans -112 (DraftKings)
Best Total Odds: 43.5 - Under -110 (BetRivers) / Over -110 (BetRivers)

Special offers available for this game

Underdog: Free Pick for NEW Customers: Justin Herbert Total Yards > 0.5
Betr: Free Pick for NEW Customers: Justin Herbert Total Passing Attempts > 0.5

Game Info

Date: 1/11/2025
Time: 4:30 PM EST
Location: NRG Stadium (Houston, TX)
TV: CBS

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the past three seasons, the Los Angeles Chargers and the Houston Texans have faced each other once, with the Chargers emerging victorious. In this matchup, the visiting team, the Chargers, secured the win, while the home team, the Texans, did not manage to claim victory. The Chargers also covered the spread in this game, while the Texans did not. The game went over the projected total, with the over hitting once and the under not hitting at all. This singular encounter provides a limited but clear picture of the Chargers' dominance in this specific matchup, both in terms of outright victory and against the spread.

In the most recent game on October 2, 2022, the Los Angeles Chargers defeated the Houston Texans with a final score of 34-24. The Chargers, favored with a closing spread of 5.5, managed to cover the spread comfortably. The game saw a total score of 58 points, surpassing the closing over-under line of 45, thus resulting in an over. The Chargers' offense was effective, accumulating 419 total yards, with Justin Herbert throwing for 340 yards and two touchdowns. Austin Ekeler contributed significantly with two rushing touchdowns. The Chargers' defense also played a crucial role, recording four sacks and two interceptions, which helped limit the Texans' offensive output.

The Texans, despite the loss, had some notable performances, particularly from Dameon Pierce, who scored a 75-yard rushing touchdown. Houston's offense managed 346 total yards, with Davis Mills throwing for 246 yards and two touchdowns. However, the Texans struggled on third downs, converting only 33.3% of their attempts, and their two turnovers proved costly. The Chargers' ability to control the game was evident in their time of possession, holding the ball for 31 minutes and 39 seconds compared to the Texans' 28 minutes and 21 seconds. This game highlighted the Chargers' ability to execute both offensively and defensively, setting a precedent for their upcoming matchup.

Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans Preview

The Los Angeles Chargers, under the guidance of head coach Jim Harbaugh, are set to face the Houston Texans in a highly anticipated AFC Wild Card matchup. The Chargers, who finished the regular season with an impressive 11-6 record, are riding a wave of momentum after securing three consecutive victories, including a decisive 34-20 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. This victory not only clinched the No. 5 seed for the Chargers but also showcased the offensive prowess of quarterback Justin Herbert, who threw for 346 yards and two touchdowns, and wide receiver Quentin Johnston, who had a career-high 186 receiving yards.

On the other side, the Houston Texans, who ended the regular season with a 10-7 record, have shown resilience despite facing challenges. The Texans secured the AFC South title and the No. 4 seed, but their journey has been marred by inconsistency, particularly on offense. Quarterback C.J. Stroud, while showing flashes of brilliance, has struggled behind a porous offensive line and a receiving corps hit by injuries, including the loss of key players Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell. However, the Texans' defense, ranked 11th in rushing yards allowed and 7th in passing yards allowed, has been a formidable force, led by pass rushers Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter.

As the Chargers prepare to travel to NRG Stadium, they will rely on their top-ranked scoring defense, which has been instrumental in their success this season. The Chargers' ability to control the game with their defense and capitalize on the Texans' offensive struggles will be crucial. Meanwhile, the Texans will look to leverage their home-field advantage and defensive strengths to counter the Chargers' high-powered offense. This matchup promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams eager to advance in the playoffs and make a statement in the postseason.

Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans Pick: Houston Texans Moneyline

The Houston Texans, despite their challenges this season, present a compelling case for a victory in this wild-card matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Texans have demonstrated resilience, securing the AFC South title and the No. 4 seed with a 10-7 record. Their defense has been a standout unit, ranking 11th in rushing yards allowed and 7th in passing yards allowed, showcasing their ability to stifle opposing offenses. This defensive prowess will be crucial in countering the Chargers' high-powered offense led by Justin Herbert.

While the Texans' offense has faced inconsistencies, particularly with injuries to key receivers like Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell, quarterback C.J. Stroud has shown flashes of brilliance. In their recent victory over the Tennessee Titans, Stroud was efficient, completing all his passes in the opening drive for a touchdown. The Texans' ability to adapt and overcome adversity, as evidenced by their bounce-back win against the Titans after two tough losses, highlights their potential to rise to the occasion in the playoffs.

Moreover, the Texans will benefit from playing at home in NRG Stadium, where they have the support of their fans and the familiarity of their environment. This home-field advantage could play a pivotal role in their performance, providing them with the extra edge needed to secure a win. The Chargers, while impressive in their recent games, have not faced a defense as formidable as Houston's in their final stretch of the regular season. The Texans' defensive capabilities, combined with their determination to advance in the playoffs, make them a strong contender to emerge victorious in this matchup.

Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans Top Player Prop Picks

Justin Herbert Over 231.5 Passing Yards -114 (FanDuel)

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Justin Herbert has been a force to be reckoned with this season, and his recent performances suggest that he is poised to exceed the 231.5 passing yards mark against the Houston Texans. In the Chargers' decisive 34-20 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, Herbert threw for an impressive 346 yards, showcasing his ability to dissect defenses with precision. The Texans, while boasting a strong defense ranked 7th in passing yards allowed, have shown vulnerabilities, particularly against elite quarterbacks. Herbert's chemistry with his receiving corps, including Quentin Johnston, who had a career-high 186 receiving yards against the Raiders, further bolsters the case for Herbert to surpass this line. With the Chargers' offense firing on all cylinders and Herbert's track record of delivering in high-stakes games, the over on this prop is a compelling choice.

Quentin Johnston Over 3.5 Receptions -110 (FanDuel)

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Quentin Johnston has emerged as a key target for Justin Herbert, and his recent performance against the Raiders underscores his potential to exceed the 3.5 receptions line. Johnston hauled in 13 catches for 186 yards, both career highs, demonstrating his ability to be a reliable and explosive option in the Chargers' passing attack. With the Texans' defense likely to focus on limiting Herbert's options, Johnston's role as a primary receiver becomes even more critical. The Chargers' offensive strategy, which emphasizes spreading the ball and exploiting mismatches, aligns well with Johnston's skill set, making the over on this prop a strong pick. Given his recent form and the Chargers' need to maintain offensive momentum, Johnston is well-positioned to continue his upward trajectory in this playoff matchup.

Nico Collins Under 87.5 Receiving Yards -114 (FanDuel)

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Nico Collins has been a standout performer for the Texans, but the under on his 87.5 receiving yards prop presents a strategic opportunity given the context of this matchup. The Chargers' defense, ranked as the No. 1 scoring defense, has been adept at containing opposing receivers, allowing just 17.7 points per game. With the Texans' offense struggling with consistency and facing injuries to key receivers like Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell, Collins may find it challenging to reach the 87.5-yard mark. Additionally, the Chargers' ability to apply pressure and disrupt the quarterback could limit C.J. Stroud's effectiveness in connecting with Collins downfield. Considering these factors, the under on Collins' receiving yards is a prudent choice, reflecting the Chargers' defensive prowess and the Texans' offensive hurdles.