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[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers open up as betting favorites ahead of Week 17 vs. Texans

The Los Angeles Chargers are coming off a big win against Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys in Week 16, getting one step closer to a playoff berth.

The Chargers can officially clinch a playoff spot if the San Francisco 49ers beat the Indianapolis Colts on Monday Night Football, but they will also do so if they beat the Houston Texans at home in Week 17.

The Chargers and Texans both occupy Wild Card spots in the AFC, but FanDuel Sportsbook lists the Chargers as a 1.5-point favorite against C.J. Stroud’s squad, who beat Los Angeles in the first round of the playoffs a year ago.

The Chargers are 11-4, which is one game back the Denver Broncos in the AFC West. A win would give the Chargers a chance to clinch the division by beating the Broncos on the road in Week 18.

The Texans will be coming into the game with a lot on the line because a win for them would clinch a spot in the playoffs if the Colts lose to the Niners on Monday Night Football.

This will be a big game for both teams and it should give a taste of what playoff football will look like. The Chargers want revenge from last year’s loss, but the Texans won’t give it to them easy.

Kickoff between the Texans and Chargers is set for Saturday at 1:30 p.m. PT from SoFi Stadium. Fans can watch the game on NFL Network or stream it on the NFL app.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...-betting-favorites-ahead-of-week-17-vs-texans

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers playoff picture: Los Angeles clinches playoff spot with Colts loss on ‘Monday Night Football’

The Los Angeles Chargers clinched a playoff spot on Monday without even playing in the game. The Indianapolis Colts lost to fellow playoff hopefuls in the San Francisco 49ers. The game isin Indianapolis featured former Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers as Indy’s starting QB.

Updated AFC standings​

1. Denver Broncos 12-3 (clinched playoff berth)
2. New England Patriots 12-3 (clinched playoff berth)
3. Jacksonville Jaguars 11-4
4. Pittsburgh Steelers 9-6
5. Los Angeles Chargers 11-4
6. Buffalo Bills 11-4
7. Houston Texans 10-5
8. Indianapolis Colts 8-7
9. Baltimore Ravens 7-8

How the Chargers clinched a playoff spot​

Now that Los Angeles has 11 wins, they needed one of the teams in the AFC wild card picture to pick up their seventh loss to secure a playoff spot. When the Colts lost Monday, their best possible record would be 10-7 and they would be unable to match or pass L.A.

A Colts loss also secured playoff spots for the Jaguars and Bills for the same reason.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...ching-scenarios-wild-card-seeding-tiebreakers

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Herbert, Dicker among 5 Chargers named to 2026 Pro Bowl Games

The official results of this year’s Pro Bowl Games voting have been announced and the 11-4 Chargers are sending five players to the annual event.

Quarterback Justin Herbert, offensive tackle Joe Alt, edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu, safety Derwin James, and kicker Cameron Dicker were all named to this year’s all-star event with Dicker being the lone starter of the group. Edge rusher Khalil Mack, cornerback Donte Jackson, fullback Scott Matlock, and special-teamer Del’Shawn Phillips were all named as alternates.

Herbert has quietly put together an impressive season despite throwing 12 interceptions (his second most in a single season). Given that he’s had to navigate one of the worst pass protections in the NFL for the majority of the year, he’s still thrown for over 3,400 yards and while scoring 27 touchdowns (25 passing, two rushing).

Even without playing most of the year due to a season-ending injury, Alt was one of the best tackles in the league before going down and his strong play seemingly left a big impression on the voters to still pick him as one of the top-three at his position in the AFC.

Tuipulotu has broken out in a big way in year three with 13 sacks and 20 tackles for loss entering Week 17. Both numbers are career highs and dating back to last season, he’s recorded 23 sacks over his past 25 games played. It’s safe to say that Tuli has officially arrived in the NFL.

After being named named a Second-Team All-Pro has a slot defender in 2024, James is having another standout season with 86 tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions, six pass breakups, and a forced fumble. He’s been playing lights out for one of the league’s best defenses and the Bolts would not be 11-4 without him.

Lastly, Dicker makes his first Pro Bowl after being one of the biggest snubs from a year ago. The league’s most-accurate kicker in history (min. 100 kicks) is finally getting some of the recognition he so rightfully deserves, but it’s better late than never.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...among-5-chargers-named-to-2026-pro-bowl-games

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Power Rankings Roundup: Bolts break back into top 10

The Chargers won their fourth consecutive game following their bye and have now won seven of their last eight. They’re peaking at the right time just ahead of matchups against the Texans and the Broncos to finish out the regular season.

With the 49ers beating the Colts on Monday night, the Chargers also clinched their spot in the postseason. However, if they win out from here, they would actually win the AFC West and earn a top seed in this year’s playoffs. If they lose out, they’d likely land in the seventh seed. Splitting the final two games of the year would likely earn them the fifth seed.

Either way. the Bolts will be playing at least one extra game this year. Here’s to hoping it goes better than it did this past January.

With that said, let’s go ahead and see where they landed amongst the rankings this week.

ESPN – #9

If not for injury, this honor likely would have gone to running back Omarion Hampton. Instead, it goes to Harris, who has emerged as a surprisingly impactful run blocker who made several big plays in the passing game recently. The latest came in a win over the Chiefs in Week 15, when Harris hauled in a 37-yard reception that set up a momentum-shifting touchdown just before halftime. “This is a guy who played three positions in the last game with zero mental errors,” offensive coordinator Greg Roman said. “That’s a testament to him, and it bodes very well for his future.” – Kris Rhim

New York Post – #9

‘‘After surrendering touchdowns on their first two defensive series, the Chargers tightened things up and ended the Cowboys’ hopes of winning a shootout by allowing just three more points the rest of the way in a 34-17 victory. Justin Herbert tossed two touchdown passes – including a perfectly thrown ball to Quentin Johnston – and ran for a touchdown.‘’ – Ryan Dunleavy

Sporting News – #9

“The Chargers went into Dallas and used it for a get-well offensive game with more juice from their defense, too. Justin Herbert needed that and so did Jim Harbaugh.” – Vinnie Iyer

Pro Football Talk -#10

“Justin Herbert is playing better than ever.” – Mike Florio

Yahoo Sports – #10

‘‘The Broncos’ loss to the Jaguars on Sunday was huge for Los Angeles. The Chargers are just a game behind the Broncos in the AFC West race, and if they beat the Texans on Saturday (or Denver loses to Kansas City on Thursday), a Week 18 game at Denver will be for the division title. The Chargers already have a win over Denver and a win in the finale would give them a season sweep and the tiebreaker. There’s even a small path for the Chargers to get the No. 1 seed. Week 16 was really good for the Chargers.” – Frank Schwab

CBS Sports – #11

“They have righted their season after the blowout loss to the Jaguars five weeks ago. The defense has really stepped it up, but their maligned offensive line was good against Dallas, which is huge for the playoffs.” – Pete Prisco

Bleacher Report – #11

“The Los Angeles Chargers are chasing the Denver Broncos for the AFC West title, and the two teams will meet in the final week of the season. First, the Chargers host the Houston Texans in their home season finale.”

“Despite an injury-riddled offensive line, quarterback Justin Herbert is doing enough with his arm and legs to keep the offense steady and productive. This past Sunday, Los Angeles lost fill-in left tackle Jamaree Salyer to a hamstring injury, which could be troublesome in a matchup against the Texans’ top-ranked defense.”

“Still, the Chargers, banged-up and bruised, are one of the AFC’s best with a shot at a division title.” – Maurice Moton

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...rankings-roundup-bolts-break-back-into-top-10

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers-Texans Injury Report: 6 Bolts sidelined on Wednesday

The Chargers will face the Texans at home on Saturday this week which means their prep begins a full day sooner. Due to that sudden turnaround, the Bolts opened with an injury report on Tuesday that featured the majority of listed players with a DNP designation.

Aside from Keenan Allen and Khalil Mack being given veteran days off, six different players were sidelined on Wednesday. They were guard Mekhi Becton (knee), returner Derius Davis (ankle), safety RJ Mickens (shoulder), guard/tackle Jamaree Salyer (hamstring), defensive tackle Teair Tart (groin), and running back Kimani Vidal (neck).

tuesday's #HOUvsLAC injury report pic.twitter.com/BHsH3J1yTu

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) December 23, 2025

Pass rusher Bud Dupree (back) was the lone limited participant while both quarterback Justin Herbert (left hand) and offensive tackle Trey Pipkins (ankle) were both full participants.

If Becton is unable to go against the Texans this weekend, expect backup Trevor Penning to be the starter at right guard. Penning rotated in with Becton during the team’s win over the Cowboys and was also used as an extra offensive lineman on certain personnel packages.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...-injury-report-6-bolts-sidelined-on-wednesday

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

PFF grades from Chargers-Cowboys: Johnston comes up big in return to Texas

Quentin Johnston put together his best performance of the season with a 104-yard, one-score outing against the Cowboys in his home state of Texas. He caught Justin Herbert’s first touchdown of the game and later made two big catches to help keep the Chargers ahead of Dallas for the entire second half.

Herbert also had one of his best games of the season, completing 23-of-29 passes for 300 yards and two touchdowns to go with one score on the ground.

Defensively, Tuli Tuipulotu notched his 13th sack of the season, further increasing his single-season high mark. Oh, and we can’t forget safety Derwin James who absolutely balled out against the Cowboys.

With that said, let’s go ahead and check out the highest and lowest graded players on the Chargers from their win over the Cowboys.

Offense​

Best (min. 20 snaps)

WR Quentin Johnston – 90.5
QB Justin Herbert – 88.1
RB Omarion Hampton – 84.9
WR Keenan Allen – 84.1
TE Will Dissly – 76.0

Johnston was the catalyst for the Chargers’ offensive explosion against the Cowboys on Sunday as he hauled in four passes for 104 yards and a one-handed touchdown. Herbert targeted Johnston early and then found him again on a critical third-down conversion in the second half that helped seal the win.

Hampton ran hard following the injury to Kimani Vidal and finished with 95 total yards of offense with a rushing score (his third of the year). Allen caught a team-high five passes and had multiple catches that moved the chains.

The seldomly-used Dissly had multiple receptions and finished with 28 yards, the most for him in a game this season.

Worst

OG Zion Johnson – 37.1
OG Mekhi Becton – 41.3
TE Oronde Gadsden II – 43.0
OT Austin Deculus – 53.5
RB Kimani Vidal – 55.4

Johnson allowed a team-high three pressures, two of which ended up in hits on Herbert. His 24.7 pass block grade was the worst on the team among all offensive linemen. Becton allowed two pressures (one hit) and had the team’s worst run block grade at 39.5.

Gadsden underwhelmed with a 39.3 in run blocking. He caught just one pass for seven yards.

Defense​

Best

S Derwin James – 92.0
EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu – 82.2
CB Benjamin St-Juste – 76.9
S Marcus Williams – 73.1
CB Tarheeb Still – 67.5

James was elite in coverage against the Cowboys as he finished with a 91.1 in that area. He also had the team’s best pass rush grade (75.1), the second-best run defense grade (71.0), and the third-best tackling grade (79.1).

Tuipulotu led the Chargers with five pressures and recorded his 13th sack of the season.

St-Juste’s 77.0 was tops for cornerbacks and he paired with strong marks in tackling (78.9) and run defense (65.0).

Worst

S Elijah Molden – 29.9
CB Cam Hart – 47.7
DT Teair Tart – 51.0
LB Daiyan Henley – 51.9
DT Da’Shawn Hand – 57.4

Molden had a rough outing against Dallas as he finished a team-low 33.2 in coverage. His 33.9 in tackling was also very low and that unfortunately sunk his grade.

Hart was toasted early by Cowboys receiver George Pickens as he allowed two receptions on three targets for 66 yards and a touchdown. Henley also did not have a great day in coverage as he had all five targets his way to be completed for 62 yards.

Hand had a team-low 49.9 pass rush grade but otherwise was solid. His grades in both run defense and tackling ended above 60.0.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...boys-johnston-comes-up-big-in-return-to-texas

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Daily Links: Wednesday Open Thread

Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:​

Check out the latest injury report for the Chargers (Chargers.com)

This year’s Pro Bowl Chargers reacted to their selections for the annual event (Chargers.com)

Five Chargers were named to this year’s Pro Bowl Games (Chargers Wire)

What is the ceiling for the Chargers in this postseason bracket? (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:​

Check out the Pro Bowl rosters for both the NFC and AFC (ESPN)

Justin Fields has been placed on IR and will miss the rest of the 2025 season (ESPN)

Sorting out this year’s contenders and pretenders before the NFL postseason (CBS Sports)

Maxx Crosby could care less about the Raiders potentially getting the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft (NFL.com)

Malik Willis is preparing to start against the Ravens in Week 17 (Pro Football Talk)

Predicting the NFL All-Pro teams ahead of Week 17 (Sports Illustrated)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...73/chargers-daily-links-wednesday-open-thread

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Daily Links: Tuesday Open Thread

Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:​

The Chargers punched their ticket to the playoffs after the 49ers beat the Colts on MNF (Chargers.com)

Five takeaways from Monday’s pressers from the Chargers (Chargers.com)

The NFL suspended Denzel Perryman for two games (Chargers Wire)

Philip Rivers showed he still can play at the highest level at 44 years old (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:​

George Kittle believes he got hurt on a hip-drop tackle (Pro Football Talk)

The Chiefs are actually moving to Kansas in 2031 (ESPN)

Jim Harbaugh is not worried about his job status despite underwhelming season (ESPN)

Brock Purdy and the 49ers trounced the Colts on Monday night (CBS Sports)

What we learned from the 49ers’ loss to the Colts (NFL.com)

Check out SI’s top-five MVP candidates entering Week 17 (Sports Illustrated)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...2272/chargers-daily-links-tuesday-open-thread

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers-Texans Game Preview: Elite defenses will define playoff rematch

The Chargers have waited almost an entire calendar year to get a shot at revenge against the Texans. Back in January, Houston’s defense picked off Justin Herbert four times en route to bouncing the Bolts from the postseason in a game many in The Bolt wish they could completely forget. The thing is, whatever motivation that outing can provide for the Chargers this week needs to be used for added motivation to make sure the same outing isn’t repeated.

Once again, both teams offer two of the best defenses in the league this year. The Texans are arguably THE best, ranking first in both yards and points allowed this season. The Chargers aren’t far behind, ranking fourth and eighth in those areas, respectively.

As for the offenses, the Chargers have the edge with the 11th-ranked unit compared to the Texans 19th-ranked offense. The thing is, when these defenses are as good as they are, who needs to be that good on the other side?

This week’s matchup will have plenty of storylines and should be a must-watch for all football fans.

With all that said, let’s go ahead and jump into the numbers for this matchup.

Chargers Offense​

Total yards per game: 345.5 (11th)
Points per game: 23.3 (17th)
Passing yards per game: 220.2 (13th)
Rushing yards per game: 125.3 (6th)

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Top Performers

Passing: QB Justin Herbert – 3,491 passing yards, 25 touchdowns
Rushing yards: RB Kimani Vidal – 631
Rushing touchdowns: RB Kimani Vidal, RB Omarion Hampton – 3
Receiving yards: WR Ladd McConkey – 758
Receptions: WR Keenan Allen – 73
Receiving touchdowns: WR Quentin Johnston – 8

Chargers Defense​

Total yards allowed per game: 283.1 (4th)
Points allowed per game: 20.1 (8th)
Passing yards allowed per game: 179.3 (6th)
Rushing yards allowed per game: 103.8 (10th)

Top Performers

Tackles: LB Daiyan Henley – 92
Tackles for loss: EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu – 20
Sacks: EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu – 13
Passes Defended: CB Donte Jackson – 12
Interceptions: CB Donte Jackson, S Tony Jefferson – 4
Forced fumbles: EDGE Khalil Mack – 3
Fumble recoveries: 4 players tied w/ 1

Texans Offense​

Total yards per game: 323.9 (19th)
Points per game: 23.1 (19th)
Passing yards per game: 217.2 (16th)
Rushing yards per game: 106.7 (23rd)

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Top Performers

Passing: QB CJ Stroud – 2,628 passing yards, 16 touchdowns
Rushing yards: RB Woody Marks – 584
Rushing touchdowns: RB Nick Chubb – 3
Receiving yards: WR WR Nico Collins – 1,060
Receptions: TE Dalton Schultz – 75
Receiving touchdowns: WR Nico Collins – 6

Texans Defense​

Total yards allowed per game: 272.3 (1st)
Points allowed per game: 16.6 (1st)
Passing yards allowed per game: 176.1 (4th)
Rushing yards allowed per game: 96.2 (4th)

Top Performers

Tackles: LB Azeez Al-Shaair – 96
Tackles for loss: EDGE Will Anderson – 17
Sacks: EDGE Danielle Hunter – 13
Passes Defended: CB Kamari Lassiter – 16
Interceptions: 4 players tied w/ 4
Forced fumbles: EDGE Will Anderson – 3
Fumble recoveries: EDGE Will Anderson – 2

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...ew-elite-defenses-will-define-playoff-rematch

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Daily Links: Chargers-Texans prediction thread

Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:​

Five final thoughts ahead of the Chargers’ Week 17 matchup with the Texans (Chargers.com)

Check out the final injury report for Chargers-Texans in Week 17 (Chargers.com)

Check out who experts picked in this week’s matchup between the Chargers and the Texans (Chargers Wire)

Four outcomes that Charger fans should be rooting for outside of beating the Houston Texans (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:​

Travis Kelce dismissed retirement questions after Thursday’s loss to the Broncos (Sports Illustrated)

The Lions were eliminated from the playoffs after losing to the Vikings (ESPN)

Lamar Jackson is doubtful to play against the Packers this week (ESPN)

The Cowboys held off the Commanders on Christmas (CBS Sports)

What we learned from this year’s tripleheader on Christmas (NFL.com)

Harrison Smith is not ready to think about playing in 2026 (Pro Football Talk)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...daily-links-chargers-texans-prediction-thread

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers-Texans Live Game Recap: Playoff rematch kicks off Saturday doubleheader

The Chargers are back in SoFi Stadium today to host the Texans (10-5) for the first time since the wild card matchup back in January. If you recall, the Chargers lost that game after Justin Herbert threw four interceptions and the offense fell flat until a late but irrelevant surge in the second half.

This year, the Texans have the number one unit in total defense and points allowed per game. The Chargers are obviously as injured as ever up front on the offensive line so it’s going to take something close to a miracle for the Bolts to handle Houston’s ferocious pass rush and their tenacious secondary — a group that has four players with at least four interceptions on the season.

A win for the Chargers today means they will still have a shot at the AFC West Crown if they win out. A loss will lock them into a wild card spot and officially give the Broncos their first divisional title since 2015. If these next two games are good for anything, they’ll be used as a barometer for just how capable this version of the Chargers are and how far they could potentially go in the playoffs. If they can’t hang with some of the league’s best, they likely aren’t making it out of the first round again.

The thing is, no one believed the Chargers could get to 11 wins with all their injuries, but here they are. Maybe they have a few more surprises in store for the league and their fan base over these final two weeks.

For a complete live recap of today’s game, keep it right here.

First Quarter​

The Chargers won the coin toss and chose to defer. The Texans offense was up first.

On the third play of the game, Texans quarterback CJ Stroud dropped back on third-and-one and launched a deep pass to wideout Jayden Higgins on a post route. Higgins sprinted past cornerback Donte Jackson to catch the pass in stride for a 75-yard touchdown.

Los Angeles took over needing to respond, but the offense went three-and-out with Justin Herbert getting sacked on third down by Danielle Hunter.

On the second drive for the Texans, Stroud found fellow rookie wideout Jaylin Noel for a 43-yard score to put them up 14-0 within the first six minutes of the game. After two drives, Stroud was four-of-four for 142 yards.

The Chargers finally got a first down on their second drive, but the drive was killed by another sack on Herbert just past midfield. Through two drives, the Bolts had run the ball six times to just three passes, two of which ended in sacks.

After the Chargers defense earned their first stop of the game, Herbert and the offense went three-and-out for the second after Keenan Allen dropped a would-be first down pass.

Second Quarter​

After each team traded punts to begin the quarter, the Chargers defense finally found a spark the team desperately needed thanks to a Derwin James interception in Texans territory. Defensive tackle Da’Shawn Hand got a finger on the ball and the deflection went right into the waiting arms of the veteran safety.

The Bolts offense then got their biggest play of the game with a 17-yard catch-and-run to get down to the Houston 15-yard line. A seven-yard end around by wideout Tre’ Harris then gained seven more yards, but the next two plays went for a combined -1 yard and the Bolts were forced to kick. Cameron Dicker was good from 27 yards out and the Texans’ lead remained 14-3 with a little over six minutes remaining in the quarter.

Herbert found Quentin Johnston for a massive 60-yard pass play that brought the Bolts to the Houston 14-yard line with 1:12 remaining in the half. Scoring a touchdown would have made it 14-10 before they got the ball back to begin the second half. Instead, tight end Oronde Gadsden let a walk-in touchdown catch go through his hands and into the arms of Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.

But that’s not where the first half madness would end.

With the Texans looking to potentially put up some points before the break, Stroud made an ill-timed decision and safety Elijah Molden picked off his first pass of the season.

The Texans made it very tough on Herbert who had little to no time to survey the field when dropping back. The Bolts couldn’t get close to the end zone and were once again forced to kick. However, in the most head-splitting way imaginable, Dicker was wide right from 32 yards out. It was his first career miss in the regular season from under 40 yards and the Bolts entered the locker room down 14-3.

Third Quarter​

Fourth Quarter​

• Chargers vs. Texans: How to watch, game time, TV schedule, streaming, and more
• Chargers-Texans Game Preview: Elite defenses will define playoff rematch
• Chargers-Texans Injury Report: Salyer, St-Juste OUT vs. Houston

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...ayoff-rematch-kicks-off-saturday-doubleheader

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers playoff picture: What Week 17 vs. Texans means for AFC standings

The Los Angeles Chargers lost on Saturday to the Houston Texans and several outcomes cascaded. The Chargers can no longer win the AFC West and the Denver Broncos clinched the division in the biggest one. Secondly, the Chargers fell from fifth to seventh in the playoff race. They still have a playoff spot clinched, but now they are behind both the Buffalo Bills and the Houston Texans in the standings.

Current AFC standings​

1. Denver Broncos (13-3)
2. New England Patriots (12-3)
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4)
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6)
5. Buffalo Bills (11-4)
6. Houston Texans (11-5)
7. Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
9. Baltimore Ravens (8-8)

The Indianapolis Colts are currently eighth in the playoff race but were eliminated when the Houston Texans won on Saturday night. The only playoff spot still up for grabs is the AFC North division winner. That could be settled as early as Sunday if the Pittsburgh Steelers win.

If the current standings hold, the Chargers would travel to New England for a date with the Patriots but there is a lot of football left to play in Weeks 17 and 18.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...hat-week-17-vs-texans-means-for-afc-standings

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers fall short in loss vs. Texans

The Los Angeles Chargers saw their winning streak snapped by the hands of the Houston Texans in a 20-16 loss at SoFi Stadium in Week 17.

The Chargers started the game off on the wrong foot, allowing two Texans touchdowns on the first two drives, conceding a 14-0 deficit right off the bat. The Chargers tried to catch up but missed cues that included an interception thrown in the red zone and a missed field goal right before halftime did the Chargers in.

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert completed 21 of 32 passes for 236 yards and a touchdown, while Omarion Hampton had a touchdown on the ground.

The loss for the Chargers means that Denver Broncos have won the AFC West. Next week’s matchup is simply for playoff positioning and not the division title.

The Chargers will be wild cards for the second year in a row and the Texans now have the tiebreaker on them if they have the same record.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...s/62381/chargers-fall-short-in-loss-vs-texans

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Houston Texans vs. LA Chargers Week 17 game discussion

Houston Texans vs. Los Angeles Chargers, December 27, 2025, 1:30 p.m. PT

Location: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, CA

Broadcast: CBS, Paramount Plus

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The Los Angeles Chargers face a massive Week 17 matchup against C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans that will affect the AFC playoff picture.

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Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...texans-vs-la-chargers-week-17-game-discussion

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers open up as betting underdogs ahead of Week 18 vs. Broncos

The Los Angeles Chargers are resting their starters, including quarterback Justin Herbert, in Week 18 against the Denver Broncos to close out the regular season.

The Chargers are sitting a good amount of their starters because the team is no longer eligible to win the AFC West after their Week 17 loss at home against the Houston Texans.

The Chargers are locked into one of the three Wild Card spots in the AFC playoffs, which is part of the reason why FanDuel Sportsbook lists the Chargers as a 7.5-point underdog against the Broncos, who would clinch a first-round bye and homefield advantage throughout the AFC playoffs with a win at home.

The Chargers are 11-5, which is two games back the Broncos in the AFC West. If the Chargers beat the Broncos, it would open the door for the New England Patriots to clinch the No. 1 seed if they were to beat the Miami Dolphins in Week 18.

In all likelihood, the Chargers will end up with either the number 6 or 7 seed. That will give them a chance to face off against a division winner in the wild card round. That team will likely be one of the Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars or Texans, depending on how the AFC South ends up shaking out.

Kickoff between the Chargers and Broncos is set for Sunday at 1:25 p.m. PT from Empower Field at Mile High Stadium. Fans can watch the game on CBS or stream it on Paramount Plus.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...betting-underdogs-ahead-of-week-18-vs-broncos