The Los Angeles Chargers and Houston Texans face off this afternoon in the first of two NFL wild card games scheduled today and the first-ever matchup between the two teams in the playoffs.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh looks to secure his first NFL playoff win since 2013, while the Texans hope to capitalize on their home-field advantage.
What to Watch Out For
The pressure will be on Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, who will have to continue his high-level passing game against the Texans’ formidable defense.
But Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud will also have a defense to worry about. He’ll be under pressure from a Chargers’ defense led by Derwin James Jr., Joey Bosa, and Khalil Mack.
Stroud will also have to contend with his own leaky offensive line. He was second in the NFL this season with 52 sacks taken.
Stroud saw diminished numbers in 2024 compared to his standout rookie season, including a late-December slump. But his impressive opening drive in Week 18 against the Tennessee Titans, before being pulled early, could indicate he’s refocused and ready for the playoffs.
We’ll only know for sure after kickoff.
Injury Report
Los Angeles Chargers
QB Easton Stick (emergency 3rd QB)
RB Kimani Vidal
RB Jaret Patterson
WR Joshua Palmer
TE Hayden Hurst
OT Trey Pipkins III
DL Justin Eboigbe
Houston Texans
G Shaq Mason
G Nick Broeker
DT Kurt Hinish
DE Jerry Hughes
LB Devin White
How to Watch the Chargers vs. the Texans
Date and Time: Saturday, January 11, 2025, 4:30 PM Eastern
TV: CBS
Streaming: CBS app and website, NFL+, Paramount+, Sling
Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
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