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NFLGame PreviewsLAC at HOU
LACLAC
@
HOUHOU
LAC logo

LAC

10-5-0
@
27DEC25
04:30pm
HOU logo

HOU

11-4-0
SoFi Stadium

Game Preview

The Houston Texans head to SoFi Stadium to face the Los Angeles Chargers in a critical Week 17 AFC showdown on Saturday, December 27. Kickoff is set for 4:30 PM ET. Both teams are playoff-bound, with the 11, 4 Chargers already in position and the 10, 5 Texans fighting for seeding.

This matchup features two of the NFL’s top defenses. Houston leads the league in defensive EPA per play and success rate allowed, while Los Angeles has held opponents under 21 points in seven of its last eight games. The result could be a low-scoring slugfest, which puts pressure on both offenses to capitalize on limited chances.

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has been red-hot, throwing for 300 yards and two scores last week. He’s also added value with his legs, rushing for 42 yards and a touchdown against Dallas. Houston has struggled against mobile quarterbacks, which could give Herbert another edge.

The Texans are dealing with injuries on the offensive line, which could affect quarterback C.J. Stroud’s ability to push the ball downfield. With left tackle Trent Brown ruled out and his backup questionable, protection may be an issue against a Chargers pass rush that already has 41 sacks this season.

Current Season Form

LAC logo

LAC

Away
Record:10-5-0
ATS:8-7-0
O/U:5-10-0
HOU logo

HOU

Home
Record:11-4-0
ATS:9-6-0
O/U:7-8-0

Head-to-Head Summary

Record:
3-2Winner logo
ATS:3-2-0
O/U:3-2-0

Past Results

DateOpponentResultATSO/U
2025-12-21@ DALW 34-17W +1.5o50.5
2025-12-14@ KCW 16-13L 5.5u41.5
2025-12-08vs PHIW 22-19W +-1.5u41.5
2025-11-30vs LVW 31-14W +10.0o40.5
2025-11-16@ JAXL 6-35L -3.0u43.5
2025-11-09vs PITW 25-10W +3.0u45.5
2025-11-02@ TENW 27-20W +-10.0o44.5
2025-10-23vs MINW 37-10W +3.0o45.5
2025-10-19vs INDL 24-38L 2.5o48.5
2025-10-12@ MIAW 29-27W +-3.5o45.5

Key Insights

  • Houston’s third-down defense is elite, stopping opponents 65.5% of the time, second-best in the league.
  • Both teams have 41 sacks, showing strong pass rushes on both sides.
  • Chargers excel on long drives, finishing them at a 91.3% rate, among the top in the NFL.
  • Texans struggle in the red zone, scoring touchdowns on just 44.9% of red zone trips.
  • Chargers’ offensive line is banged up, and Houston could exploit that with pressure.
  • Herbert’s mobility adds a layer, particularly against a Texans defense missing depth in the secondary and linebacker groups.

Betting Insights

The game total is set low at 40.0 points
The game total is set low at 40.0 points, with the Under priced at -128, reflecting both teams’ defensive strength.
Analysis insight — no specific bet associated
Justin Herbert’s rushing prop is 23.5 ya
Justin Herbert’s rushing prop is 23.5 yards (Over -123), and he’s coming off a 42-yard rushing game.
Analysis insight — no specific bet associated
Herbert’s passing line is just 210.5 yar
Herbert’s passing line is just 210.5 yards (Over -119), despite throwing for 300 yards last week.
Analysis insight — no specific bet associated
Dalton Schultz’s receiving prop is 43.5
Dalton Schultz’s receiving prop is 43.5 yards (Over -122); short passes may be key with Texans’ line issues.
Analysis insight — no specific bet associated
Omarion Hampton is +134 to score anytime
Omarion Hampton is +134 to score anytime, he’s coming off an 85-yard, 1-TD game and could benefit if Kimani Vidal sits.
Analysis insight — no specific bet associated
Nico Collins is +162 to score anytime; h
Nico Collins is +162 to score anytime; he remains Houston’s top red-zone target.
Analysis insight — no specific bet associated

Final Summary

This game might come down to which defense bends less. Both Houston and Los Angeles rank near the top in pressure and third-down stops. The total of 40.0 reflects that, points may be hard to come by.

That said, Justin Herbert’s dual-threat ability could be the difference. He’s efficient through the air and dangerous on scrambles, and Houston has had issues containing that style. Herbert’s rushing and passing props offer upside, but the Texans’ elite defense means there’s still risk.

Houston’s offensive line injuries are concerning. With two left tackles either out or questionable, Stroud may need to get the ball out quickly. That could lead to a bigger role for tight end Dalton Schultz in the passing game.

In a tight AFC battle, the Chargers are slight home favorites at -119 on the moneyline. But with both teams fighting for playoff position, expect full effort on both sides, and potentially a lower-scoring, grind-it-out game.

Statistical Battle Boards

Viewing: HOU Offense vs LAC Defense
Offense team logoOffense
Defense team logoDefense
StatisticOffenseRankDefenseRankAdvantage
Total Points243#22238#23HOU advantage
Total Points Per Game22.1#2121.6#10LAC advantage
Total Touchdowns23#2525#9LAC advantage
Passing Touchdowns16#2010#2LAC advantage
Rushing Touchdowns5#2914#28LAC advantage
Other Touchdowns2#91#22HOU advantage
Total Kicking Points103#378#20HOU advantage
Total Two Point Conversions1#132#12LAC advantage
Kick Extra Points16#2821#25LAC advantage
Offense team logoOffense
Defense team logoDefense
StatisticOffenseRankDefenseRankAdvantage
Net Passing Yards2373#161895#29HOU advantage
Net Passing Yards Per Game216#16172#29HOU advantage
Passer Rating89.7#1975.9#31HOU advantage
Passing Attempts392#6326#8HOU advantage
Completions249#9196#31HOU advantage
Completion Percentage63.5#2060.1#4LAC advantage
Passing 1st downs123#1494#2LAC advantage
Passing 1st Down %59.1#949.5#3LAC advantage
Longest Pass54#2552#26HOU advantage
Passing Fumbles Lost2#210#31HOU advantage
Receiving Targets380#6310#27HOU advantage
Receptions249#9196#2LAC advantage
Receiving Yards After Catch1021#261150#13LAC advantage
YAC Average4.1#315.9#29LAC advantage
Offense team logoOffense
Defense team logoDefense
StatisticOffenseRankDefenseRankAdvantage
Rushing Yards1184#241252#16LAC advantage
Rushing Yards Per Game108#23114#17LAC advantage
Rushing Attempts285#22264#6LAC advantage
Yards Per Rush Attempt4.2#204.7#8LAC advantage
Rushing 1st downs59#3076#16LAC advantage
20+ Yard Rushing Plays5#195#18LAC advantage
Long Rushing30#2949#18LAC advantage
Rushing Fumbles5#195#18LAC advantage
Rushing Fumbles Lost0#311#20LAC advantage

Game Preview of Houston Texans @ Los Angeles Chargers. Week 17 of 2025 NFL Season

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NFLGame PreviewsLAC at HOU