Chargers vs. Texans preview, prediction and how to watch

Houston Texans (10-5) AT LA Chargers (11-4)

When: Saturday 1:30 pm

Where: SoFi Stadium

TV: NFL Network/NFL+  

Radio: Los Angeles: KYSR-FM (98.7), LA Spanish: 105.5 FM/94.3 FM (LA Spanish)

Line: Chargers by -1.5

Notable injury designations: 

Chargers: OUT: WR Derius Davis (ankle), S RJ Mickens (shoulder), CB Benjamin St-Juste (shoulder), OL Jamaree Salyer (hamstring). Questionable: DT Teair Tart (groin), G Mekhi Becton Sr. (knee), RB Kimani Vidal (neck).

Texans: OUT: T Trent Brown (ankle/knee), LB Jamal Hill (calf/wrist). Questionable: CB Ajani Carter (hamstring), T Aireontae Ersery (thumb), DE Darrell Taylor (ankle), WR Justin Watson (calf).

What's at stake? For the Chargers, it’s simple. They’ve already clinched a playoff spot, but a win sets up a monster matchup against the Denver Broncos next Sunday for the AFC West. If that scenario plays out, expect that game to land on Sunday Night Football.

For the Texans, this game is an opportunity to move closer to securing the AFC South title. The following day, the Jaguars visit the Indianapolis Colts, and if Jacksonville loses, things could get very interesting in the division.

Who's better? A toss-up, slightly leaning toward Houston. That’s largely because the Texans boast the best defense in the NFL and play with an ultra-aggressive style.

Matchup to watch: Chargers front four vs. Houston O-lineThe Texans have struggled up front, especially with Trent Brown sidelined. Expect the Chargers to bring consistent pressure on C.J. Stroud, particularly with Houston’s left tackle dealing with a thumb injury. If the Chargers can generate pressure and force Stroud to move off his spot, that’s a major win for the defense.

Chargers win if: The offensive line protects Justin Herbert. It’s hard not to think back to the last time these two teams met. In the Wild Card game, Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt were healthy, and that stability mattered. Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman will need a master-class game plan to keep Herbert clean and upright.

Fantasy sleeper: Omarion Hampton. The rookie running back gets the nod for the second straight week. Last week, Ashton Jeanty racked up more than 180 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. Expect Hampton to see heavy volume.

Prediction: This is the toughest call I’ve made in the past month. I’ve picked against the Chargers the last three weeks, and they’ve won every time — so what do I really know? Not much. Texans 16, Chargers 15.