The Houston Texans (10-5) travel to face the Los Angeles Chargers (11-4) in a pivotal Week 17 AFC matchup on Saturday, December 27, 2025, with playoff implications on the line. The Texans, riding a seven-game winning streak, aim to solidify their seeding in the AFC South race, while the Chargers look to maintain their grip on the AFC West lead amid a strong home record. This game revives a lopsided series where the Chargers hold a historical edge, but Houston’s recent form could make it a closer contest than expected. Below is a fully detailed preview covering all aspects.
Venue Location
SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California. This state-of-the-art domed venue, home to the Los Angeles Chargers and Rams, seats approximately 70,240 fans and features a FieldTurf CORE artificial turf surface, ensuring consistent play regardless of external conditions.
Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. ET (1:30 p.m. PT).
Broadcast: NFL Network: Rich Eisen, Kurt Warner, Jamie Erdahl (field reporter), Megan Olivi (field reporter), Streaming on the NFL app
Westwood One: Ryan Radtke, Mike Golic
Local Radio: KILT 610 AM (Texans) and KYSR 98.7 FM (Chargers).
Injury Report
Both teams are managing injuries as the season winds down, with the Texans facing more depth issues in the trenches, potentially affecting protection for C.J. Stroud, while the Chargers’ secondary could be vulnerable if key players sit.
Houston Texans: Defensive end Denico Autry (knee) is DNP and questionable. Offensive tackle Trent Brown (ankle/knee/hand) is DNP and doubtful. Offensive tackle Aieontae Ersery (thumb) is DNP. Linebacker Jake Hansen (chest) is DNP. Defensive end Dylan Horton (knee) is DNP. Wide receiver Justin Watson (calf) is LP. Defensive end Darrell Taylor (ankle) is LP. Tight end Dalton Schultz (knee) is FP and expected to play. These absences could strain the offensive line and pass rush.
Los Angeles Chargers: Outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (neck) is status uncertain. Quarterback Carson Wentz (left shoulder) is limited. Cornerback Donte Jackson (hip) is LP. Wide receiver Quentin Johnston (undisclosed) is LP. Defensive tackle Teair Tart (undisclosed) is LP. Offensive tackle Trent Brown (hand) is DNP (shared name, but Chargers’ Brown is healthy per other reports). The Chargers are relatively healthy but monitor Van Ginkel for edge rush impact.
Player Matchups
This AFC showdown could hinge on the quarterback duel and trench battles, with Houston’s winning streak testing Los Angeles’ home dominance.
HOU QB C.J. Stroud vs. LAC S Derwin James Jr.: Stroud has thrown for over 3,500 yards this season; James’s versatility (interception leader for Chargers) must disrupt his rhythm to limit deep threats like Nico Collins.
LAC QB Justin Herbert vs. HOU LB Azeez Al-Shaair: Herbert’s efficiency (top-10 in passing yards) faces Al-Shaair’s tackling prowess, especially if Hansen sits—key in containing scrambles.
HOU RB Woody Marks vs. LAC DL Khalil Mack: Marks’ ground game (emerging contributor) tests Mack’s pass-rush and run-stopping, but Mack’s veteran edge could force passing situations.
LAC WR Ladd McConkey vs. HOU CB Derek Stingley Jr.: McConkey’s slot speed vs. Stingley’s man coverage—could produce chunk plays if Stingley is isolated.
HOU WR Nico Collins vs. LAC CB Asante Samuel Jr.: Collins’ deep routes exploit Samuel, potentially opening play-action if the line holds.
These matchups favor the Chargers’ defense if healthy, but Stroud’s hot streak could exploit any secondary gaps.
Recent Team Forms
Houston Texans (last 5 games): W-W-W-W-W. On a seven-game winning streak per reports, including key victories that solidified their division lead. Form shows offensive explosion (averaging 28+ PPG in wins) and defensive improvements (holding foes under 20 in recent games).
Los Angeles Chargers (last 5 games): W-L-W-W-W. Strong overall, with losses to tough foes but rebounds like recent wins. Form highlights balanced attack (25 PPG in wins) but occasional defensive lapses (allowing 24+ in losses).
Series History
The Chargers lead the all-time series 5-1 since the Texans entered the NFL in 2002, with Los Angeles winning the last three meetings. Houston’s lone victory came in 2019 (23-20). Recent games average moderate scoring, with the Chargers’ largest margin a 41-29 win in 2021. The most recent clash was a Chargers victory, but Houston’s current form could challenge the trend.
Betting Trends
Texans: 8-7 ATS overall, strong on the road (5-3 ATS), 7-8 O/U with unders in low-total games. Chargers: 8-6-1 ATS overall, 6-2 ATS at home, 7-8 O/U trending under against AFC foes. Game-Specific: Texans 1-5 ATS in series history; Chargers 4-1 ATS as favorites vs. Texans; unders in 4 of last 5 meetings. Public leaning Chargers, sharps on Texans +1.5 due to streak.
TEXANS NOTES:
• TEXANS lead NFL in total defense (272.3 yards allowed per game) & scoring defense (16.6 points allowed per game) in 2025. • QB C.J. STROUD completed 23 of 35 atts. (65.7 pct.) for 187 yards & TD in Week 16. Aims for his 6th in row on road with 200+ pass yards. • RB JAWHAR JORDAN had 5 catches & 70 scrimmage yards (53 rush, 17 rec.) last week. Aims for his 3rd in row with 70+ scrimmage yards. • RB NICK CHUBB had 42 scrimmage yards (33 rush, 9 rec.) in Week 16. Had 170 scrimmage yards (161 rush, 9 rec.) & rush TD in his only career game at LAC (10/10/21 w/ Cle.). • WR NICO COLLINS had 59 rec. yards last week. Aims for his 9th in row with 55+ rec. yards. Has TD catch in 2 of his past 3 on road. Had 3 catches for 82 yards in last meeting. • WR CHRISTIAN KIRK had 37 rec. yards in Week 16. Had 6 catches for 72 yards & TD in his last game vs. LAC (9/25/22 w/ Jax.). • TE DALTON SCHULTZ had 5 catches for 35 yards & TD last week. Aims for his 3rd in row with 5+ catches & TD catch. Has 5+ catches & 50+ rec. yards in 4 of his past 5 on road. • DE WILL ANDERSON had sack in Week 16. Ranks 5th in NFL with 17 TFL this season. Has TFL in 10 of his past 11 & in each of his 7 games on road this season. • DE DANIELLE HUNTER had sack last week. Aims for his 3rd in row with sack. Had 4 tackles, 2 TFL, sack & FF in his last game vs. LAC (9/24/23 w/ Min.). • CB KAMARI LASSITER had 8 tackles & 2 PD in Week 16. Tied 5th-most PD in NFL this season (16). Has PD in 11 of his past 12, incl. 2 PD in each of his past 3. • CB DEREK STINGLEY had FF & 31-yard INT-TD last week. Has PD in 2 of his past 3. • S CALEN BULLOCK led team with 9 tackles in Week 16. • S JALEN PITRE had 7 tackles & PD last week. Aims for his 5th in row with PD. Had 7 tackles & TFL in last meeting
CHARGERS NOTES:
• CHARGERS clinched playoff berth & qualified for postseason in back-to-back years for 1st time since 4 consecutive playoff appearances from 2006-09. • QB JUSTIN HERBERT completed 23 of 29 atts. (79.3 pct.) for 300 yards & 2 TDs vs. 0 INTs with 132.8 rating & rushed for 42 yards & TD in Week 16. Surpassed HOFer Kurt Warner (30) for 3rd-most games ever with 300+ pass yards in 1st 6 seasons. Needs 302 pass yards to surpass HOFer Peyton Manning (24,885) for most pass yards in 1st 6 seasons all-time. Completed 27 of 39 atts. (69.2 pct.) for 340 yards & 2 TDs vs. 0 INTs with 113.2 rating in last meeting. • RB OMARION HAMPTON (rookie) had 95 scrimmage yards (85 rush, 10 rec.) & rush TD last week. Has TD in 2 of his past 3. Aims for his 7th in row with 65+ scrimmage yards. • WR QUENTIN JOHNSTON had 4 catches for 104 yards & TD in Week 16. Has TD catch in 2 of his past 3. • WR LADD MCCONKEY had TD catch last week. Has TD catch in 3 of his past 4 at SoFi Stadium. • WR KEENAN ALLEN had 5 receptions in Week 16. Aims for his 3rd in row with 5+ catches. • LB KHALIL MACK has half sack in 4 of his past 5 at SoFi Stadium & has FF in 3 of his past 4 at SoFi Stadium. Aims for his 4th in row vs. Hou. with sack. • LB TULI TUIPULOTU had 4 tackles, sack & 1st FR of season last week. Has sack in 3 of his past 4. • LB DAIYAN HENLEY had 6 tackles in Week 16. Has PD in 2 of his past 3. • CB BENJAMIN ST-JUSTE had 5 tackles & PD last week. Had PD in his only career games vs. Hou. (11/20/22 w/ Was.). • S DERWIN JAMES had 6 tackles & FF in Week 16. Had 7 tackles & 2 PD in last meeting. • S TONY JEFFERSON led team with 8 tackles last week. Has PD in 3 of his past 4.
Game Odds
Houston Texans 39.5
Los Angeles Chargers – 2.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, December 26, 2025
