Los Angeles Chargers: Staff predictions vs. Houston Texans

The Los Angeles Chargers host the Houston Texans in Week 3 in a game that will be telling for both teams in action, win or lose.

The Los Angeles Chargers still have the bitter taste of defeat in their mouths after dropping a very winnable game against the Detroit Lions in Week 2. The Chargers left 13 points on the board, which does not include Philip Rivers‘ interception in the endzone to close the game.

The Chargers have a chance to redeem themselves against a playoff contender and 2-0 team in the Houston Texans. The Texans took the Saints to the very last second, in New Orleans nonetheless, but then looked pretty poor against the Jacksonville Jaguars, albeit in a win.

This game will be telling for both teams and where they stand in the NFL hierarchy. If it is a close game, it shows that both teams are playoff-caliber teams. If one team significantly outmatches the other, it will show that the losing team needs a lot of work.

It is one of the more compelling games of Week 3 and this is how the LA Sports Hub staff sees it going down.

Jamaal Artis (2-0): 24-21, Houston Texans

The Los Angeles Chargers take on the Houston Texans at home and it will prove to be another hard-fought close game.

The offense needs to avoid the costly penalties that took two touchdowns off the board in the loss to the Detroit Lions last week. The Texans offensive line continues to struggle in protecting QB Deshaun Watson, this is good news for the Chargers pass defense.

But if Watson gets to use his feet and arm, then the Chargers will be in some trouble trying to stop Watson and All-NFL wide receiver Deandre Hopkins. Chargers lose 21-24.

Hil Lopez (3-1): 27-21, Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers will look to rebound after a discouraging 13-10 loss to the Lions in week 2. They take on the Texans who defeated Jacksonville 13-12 in their last game but did not look good at all in the game.

Rivers will be looking to continue airing it out in this game and funneling targets to Keenan Allen and Austin Ekeler. The difference in this game will be the defense as the Houston offensive line has had a hard time protecting Watson resulting in him taking a ton of sacks and hits the first two weeks.

The Chargers will get pressure on Watson, and stud CB Casey Hayward will limit DeAndre Hopkins this week as well.

Redan Lopez (3-1): 34-30, Los Angeles Chargers

This one has the potential to be a shootout. After Texans’ Quarterback Deshaun Watson and Chargers’ Quarterback Philip Rivers both had sub-par games in Week 2, look for them to play a big role in a game that goes back and forth. No.1 wideout DeAndre Hopkins for the Texans and No.1 wideout Keenan Allen for the Chargers will have big games with two touchdowns each for 150 plus yards.

Defenses will take a step back, but ultimately the Chargers will have the last laugh. The Chargers are at home and should have an advantage over a poor Texans’ offensive line. Watson will be sacked four times and get hit often, but still try to lead his team to a comeback victory. Unfortunately, it will not be enough.

Jason Reed (2-2): 28-20, Los Angeles Chargers

I am really cautious about this pick as it really could go either way for the Los Angeles Chargers. However, the one edge that the team does have on Houston is in the pass-rush department, as the team has one of the best pass-rushing defensive lines in the NFL and the Texans’ line has underwhelmed thus far.

I think that ultimately is going to be the difference and is what will hold Houston at bay while Philip Rivers and the offense score one touchdown per quarter.