Chargers vs Texans Wild Card Predictions | NFL Playoff Picks Today, Best Bets

The Los Angeles Chargers are set for a wild-card showdown against the Houston Texans on Saturday. Los Angeles enters this matchup riding a three-game winning streak that catapulted them into the postseason in year one of the Jim Harbaugh era. Meanwhile, the Texans have lost two of their final three games as they look to turn things around in front of their home fans to advance to the Divisional Round of the playoffs.

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Chargers vs Texans

• Location: NRG Stadium (Houston, Texas) | Date: Saturday, Jan 11
• Where to Watch: CBS/Paramount+ | Time: 4:30 PM ET
• Spread: Chargers -2.5, Moneyline: Chargers -154, Total: 42.5

Chargers vs Texans Best Bet: Chargers -2.5

The Chargers have done a complete 360 compared to the position they were in last year. From picking in the top five of the NFL Draft over the offseason to being one of 14 teams that have the chance to compete for a Super Bowl, the job Jim Harbaugh has done in his first season is remarkable. Los Angeles has a well-balanced offense, a disciplined defense, and enough talent on both sides of the ball to push any team to the limit. Meanwhile, the Texans have dealt with inconsistencies all season long that made them go from contenders to pretenders after going 1-5 against teams over .500 this season. With how well-coached and connected the Chargers have looked this season, it won’t be a shock to see Los Angeles steal a win on the road.

Chargers vs Texans Best Total Bet: Over 42.5

Entering this matchup, the Chargers are averaging 23.6 points per game, while the Texans trail just behind, averaging 21.9 points per contest. However, in a game where both teams will be playing with their seasons on the line, expect both teams to be aggressive when needed to give them a chance to advance. In what could be a higher-scoring matchup than many people expect, a final score of 27-23 seems like a realistic outcome in this showdown.

Chargers Best Player Bet: Ladd McConkey 80+ Receiving Yards +112

Ladd McConkey had taken the league by storm in his rookie season with the Chargers. The Georgie product has quickly become Justin Herbert’s go-to target on offense, reeling in 82 receptions for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns so far this season. Against a Houston secondary that has struggled at times this season, especially against elite route runners like McConkey, the rookie could be in store for a big-time performance in the biggest game of his young NFL career. The wideout has surpassed the 80-yard mark in three straight games, and he has a strong chance to add to the streak on Saturday.

Texans Best Player Bet: C.J. Stroud 2+ Passing Touchdowns +148

C.J. Stroud has taken a step back this season, and most people believe it’s due to NFL defensive coordinators and head coaches having film on him from his rookie year. Nonetheless, the former No. 2 overall pick has proven time and time again that he can show up when his team needs him most. Last year, in the team’s Wild Card matchup against the Cleveland Browns, Stroud threw for 274 passing yards and three touchdowns. This time around, DeMeco Ryans will likely put his trust in the former Ohio State star in a win-or-go-home situation.

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