Preview: Texans at Chargers in Crucial Late-Season AFC Showdown INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Interstat) — A pivotal late-season AFC matchup with playoff implications is set for Saturday when the Houston Texans visit the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. The Chargers (11-4) enter with a slight edge in the standings over the Texans (10-5), making this a potential tiebreaker scenario for postseason seeding. Weather could be a factor, with rain and a temperature of 59 degrees forecast for the 1:25 p.m. PST kickoff. Houston arrives on a four-game winning streak, most recently edging the Las Vegas Raiders 23-21. Quarterback C.J. Stroud has been efficient during the run, though his passing yardage has been modest. In the win over Las Vegas, he completed 23 of 35 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown. The Texans’ ground game, led by Jawhar Jordan and Nick Chubb, provided balance. The Chargers are also riding high, winners of four straight after a decisive 34-17 road victory over the Dallas Cowboys last Sunday. Quarterback Justin Herbert is playing at an elite level, coming off a performance where he threw for 300 yards and two touchdowns while adding 42 rushing yards. Running back Omarion Hampton has emerged as a key weapon. Despite the Chargers’ superior record and home-field advantage, oddsmakers list Houston as a slight 1.5-point favorite. The over/under total is set at 39.5 points. A statistical projection from National Statistical forecasts a 34-23 victory for the Chargers. The teams met last season on Dec. 26, 2025, with the Chargers winning 27-24. This contest carries greater weight, as both teams are firmly in the playoff hunt. The outcome will hinge on Stroud’s ability to navigate a tough Chargers defense and Herbert’s capacity to continue his dynamic play against an improving Texans unit. The winner will solidify its postseason position, while the loser will face increased pressure in the final week of the regular season. Houston hosts Indianapolis on Jan. 3, while the Chargers travel to face Denver.