Chargers Roll Into Week 17 With Momentum, Texans Searching for Answers in Crucial AFC Clash
Coming off one of their most complete performances of the season, the Los Angeles Chargers are riding high-and just in time. Their 34-17 road win over the Dallas Cowboys wasn’t just a statement; it was the kind of all-phases performance that could shift the narrative heading into the final stretch of the season.
Herbert, Offense Hit Their Stride
Justin Herbert was in command from start to finish. The stat line-300 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions, and zero sacks-tells part of the story.
But what really stood out was his poise and rhythm. For the first time all season, Herbert wasn’t sacked once, and that clean pocket allowed him to showcase the full scope of the Chargers’ passing attack.
The return of Quentin Johnston added a much-needed vertical threat. He hauled in four catches for 104 yards and a touchdown, and his ability to stretch the field opened up everything underneath.
Rookie Tre Harris chipped in with four grabs for 54 yards, while Keenan Allen, Ladd McConkey, and Will Dissly all contributed in the short-to-intermediate game. McConkey’s touchdown was especially timely, capping off a drive that showed just how balanced this offense can be when it’s clicking.
On the ground, LA was just as effective. The Chargers racked up 152 rushing yards on 33 carries-a 4.6-yard average that speaks to both scheme and execution.
Omarion Hampton led the way with 85 yards and a score, while Herbert added 42 yards on scrambles that kept drives alive. This was a run game that didn’t just complement the pass-it set the tone.
Defense Finds Its Groove After Halftime
Defensively, it was a tale of two halves for the Chargers. The first half saw George Pickens carve them up with seven catches for 130 yards and a touchdown.
But after the break, LA’s defense locked in. They held Dallas to just 91 rushing yards on 23 carries and forced three critical second-half stops-a punt, two turnovers on downs, and a fumble.
By keeping the Cowboys in third-and-long situations, the Chargers’ defense was able to dictate the tempo. Outside of Pickens, Dallas couldn’t find anyone who could consistently win matchups on the perimeter, and that made life easier for the LA secondary.
Texans Escape Vegas, But Questions Linger
While the Chargers looked sharp, the Texans had to grind out a 23-21 win over the Raiders-and it wasn’t pretty. CJ Stroud and the Houston offense struggled to find rhythm for most of the afternoon. Stroud finished with 187 yards and one touchdown, but the passing game lacked tempo and cohesion until a late scoring drive capped by a play-action touchdown to Dalton Schultz.
Schultz led the way with five catches for 35 yards and that score, while Nico Collins and Christian Kirk combined for seven receptions and 96 yards. Still, this was an offense that felt stuck in second gear.
The run game didn’t help either-Houston totaled just 83 yards on 26 carries, averaging 3.2 yards per attempt. Jawahar Jordan led the way with 53 yards, but the absence of Woody Marks was clearly felt.
Defense Flashes, But Cracks Show
Houston’s defense opened strong with a pick-six by Derek Stingley Jr., and they did a solid job limiting Geno Smith to 170 passing yards and two touchdowns. They also notched three sacks and kept the Raiders’ wideouts mostly in check.
But the run defense, usually a strength, showed some vulnerability. Ashton Jeanty gashed them for 124 yards on 24 carries, including a 51-yard burst that highlighted some missed assignments and poor tackling angles. That’s something the Texans can’t afford against a Chargers team that’s heating up on the ground.
Key Matchups to Watch in Week 17
As the Chargers prepare to host Houston in a pivotal AFC showdown, there are a few matchups that could swing the outcome:
- **Chargers' Run Game vs.
Texans’ Front Seven**
Over the last three games, LA is averaging 138.3 rushing yards per game-11th in the league during that span.
Houston, meanwhile, has allowed 114.3 rushing yards per game (14th). If the Chargers can stay efficient on early downs, they’ll neutralize Houston’s pass rush and keep Herbert clean.
That’s a big deal, especially with LA’s offensive line still banged up.
- **Texans’ Passing Attack vs.
Chargers' Secondary**
Stroud and the Texans are averaging 217.2 passing yards per game, which puts them right in the middle of the pack.
But they’ll be facing a Chargers pass defense ranked sixth, allowing just 179.2 yards per game. LA plays zone coverage over 80% of the time-second most in the league-which means tight windows and constant eyes on the quarterback.
Stroud will need to stay ahead of the chains and avoid forcing throws into traffic.
- **Pass Rush Battle: Texans vs.
Chargers O-Line**
Here’s the heavyweight matchup.
Houston generates pressure on 41.9% of dropbacks-second-highest in the league. The Chargers?
They allow pressure at the exact same rate: 41.9%. If the Texans can get to Herbert early and often, it could disrupt the timing of LA’s offense.
But if Herbert gets time-or uses his legs against man coverage looks, where defenders turn their backs-he can make Houston pay.
- Red Zone Efficiency
This could be the difference. Houston ranks 31st in red zone scoring percentage at just 45.1%, and they settled for field goals far too often against Vegas.
The Chargers, on the other hand, are one of the best at clamping down inside the 20, allowing touchdowns on just 50% of red zone trips-fourth-best in the league. If Houston can’t finish drives, they’ll be playing catch-up all game.
What’s at Stake
This isn’t just another late-season matchup-it’s a game with real playoff implications. The Chargers are trending up, finally finding balance on offense and tightening the screws on defense. The Texans, meanwhile, are still trying to rediscover the rhythm that made them such a tough out earlier in the year.
Saturday’s game will come down to execution in the trenches, red zone efficiency, and which quarterback can stay on schedule. If Herbert continues to play clean football and the run game keeps humming, LA’s chances look strong. But if the Texans can unleash their pass rush and force field goals instead of touchdowns, they’ll have a shot to steal one on the road.
Either way, expect a physical, defensive battle with playoff energy. December football doesn’t get much better than this.