Chargers vs. Texans Picks, Predictions & Player Props: Jim Harbaugh Back in His Element

• The Chargers were 2-5 against playoff teams (both wins against the Broncos)

• The Texans were 1-5 against playoff teams

• Both quarterbacks are under the microscope for different reasons

The Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) will visit the Houston Texans (10-7) in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs on Saturday.

Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh won a national championship at the University of Michigan last year and is now trying to bring that fortune out to the West Coast. Meanwhile, the Texans won a playoff game last year and are trying to improve upon that experience despite a sluggish finish to the regular season.

Here are our thoughts and best bets for the Chargers vs. Texans showdown.

Chargers vs. Texans Odds 

Odds for the Chargers vs. Texans matchup are provided by FanDuel Sportsbook. New users at FanDuel can receive $200 in bonus bets just by placing a $5 wager.

Chargers vs. Texans Predictions 

The Chargers allowed the fewest points per game (17.7) and were third in average turnover differential per game (+0.7). Harbaugh completely reworked a talented but struggling defense into one of the league’s best and now gets to flash his coaching acumen in a single-elimination, lose-and-go-home tournament. 

Herbert finished the regular season ninth in passing yards with 23 touchdowns to only three interceptions despite not having tons of support outside the numbers or in the backfield. The 26-year-old passes the eye test with flying colors but is yet to win a playoff game in his five-year career, which means he’ll be under the spotlight as a favorite.

On the other side, the Texans are also heavily invested in their young quarterback, sophomore C.J. Stroud—but while Herbert had a great year, especially down the stretch, Stroud struggled, amassing eight touchdowns and six interceptions over his final seven games.

Houston’s defense allowed the lowest completion percentage, was second in yards per attempt allowed, fourth in sack percentage, fifth in average turnover differential, and 14th in points allowed per game. That body of work shows they can be disruptive, but they’ll need their offense to put up enough points against the league’s stingiest defense to even give themselves a chance to win.

Chargers vs. Texans My Pick

• My Pick: Chargers Spread -2.5 (-120) via FanDuel

The Texans have plenty of upside with Stroud and their disruptive defense, but they entered the playoffs only two weeks removed from a 31-2 loss to the Ravens. The Chargers might not have the same upside, but they have a higher floor and a more experienced coach wearing the headset.

The Chargers are an overwhelming favorite with the public, but we can’t disagree here.

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets at FanDuel

Chargers vs. Texans Best Player Props

Justin Herbert Under 31.5 Pass Attempts (-140 at FanDuel sportsbook)

We touched on the Texans’ prowess against opposing quarterbacks, and if we’re to believe that Harbaugh is as prepared as any coach in the league, then we don’t expect him to have his quarterback constantly sling it into the teeth of the defense. This feels like a game during which the Chargers try to establish the run and turn to Herbert when needed, but not as their first choice.

For what it’s worth, Herbert went under this total in four of seven games against teams that qualified for the postseason.

Get $200 in Bonus Bets at FanDuel With a $5 Wager

C.J. Stroud Over 231.5 Passing Yards (-114 at FanDuel sportsbook)

Stroud didn’t hit the same heights he did during his rookie year and finished the year in a disappointing fashion, but he’s still the lifeblood of the Texans offense. He went over in five of his last seven full games and is going to get enough chances to get over this line. 

Houston called runs on just over 41 percent of their plays, which ranked 24th in the league. Stroud might make mistakes, but he’ll also have the volume to go over.

Wager $5 at FanDuel for $200 in Bonus Bets

Will Dissly Over 3.5 Receptions (+112 at FanDuel sportsbook)

Because the Texans allowed such a low completion percentage to opposing quarterbacks, we expect a lot of LA’s passing attack to be short and intermediate work that results in easy catches. That’s a specialty of Dissly, who had a career year catching the ball.

The 28-year-old caught five passes for 42 yards and a touchdown in the final game of the season and went over this line against standout teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, and Denver Broncos. 

Grab $200 in Bonus Bets When Betting $5 at FanDuel

Chargers vs. Texans How to Watch

• When: Saturday, Jan. 11 @ 3:30/4:30 p.m. CT/ET

• Where: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX

• Where to Watch: CBS/Paramount+

Chargers vs. Texans Best Promos and Sportsbooks

Major NFL sportsbooks have the Chargers favored by three points except for FanDuel, which has them at -2.5 (-120). That makes FanDuel the best spot for Chargers bettors. Texans bettors will find them at +3 (-115) at a multitude of books, including BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers, and others. 

Anyone who bets on Chargers vs. Texans at FanDuel sportsbook can win $200 in bonus bets with a $5 wager, regardless of the bet outcome.

More NFL betting promos can be found in the table below.

*Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms.

Chargers vs. Texans Injuries

Chargers Injuries

•  Gus Edwards (RB) - Questionable (ankle)

• J.K. Dobbins (RB) - Questionable (ankle)

• Quentin Johnston (WR) - Questionable (thigh/illness)

• Joshua Palmer (WR) - Questionable (foot)

• Marcus Maye (S) - Out (ankle)

• Asante Samuel Jr. (CB) - Out (shoulder)

Texans Injuries

• John Metchie III (WR) - Questionable (shoulder)

• Shaq Mason (G) - Questionable

• Stefon Diggs (WR) - Out (knee)

• Tank Dell (WR) - Out (knee)

• Jimmie Ward (S) - Out (knee)

• Dalton Keene (TE) - Out (knee)