NFL Wild Card Game Preview: Los Angeles Chargers vs. Houston Texans | Injury Report & Free Pick

2 min read • January 09, 2025

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NFL
NFL Wild Card Game Preview: Los Angeles Chargers vs. Houston Texans | Injury Report & Free Pick

The Los Angeles Chargers are set to face the Houston Texans in the AFC Wild Card Round on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at NRG Stadium in Houston. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. PST.

The Chargers concluded the regular season with an 11-6 record, securing the AFC's No. 5 seed. Their season finale featured a victory against the Las Vegas Raiders, solidifying their wild card position. Under head coach Jim Harbaugh, the team has demonstrated resilience and adaptability throughout the season.

The Texans finished the regular season at 10-7, clinching the AFC South division title and the No. 4 seed. Their success has been attributed to a balanced offensive attack and a formidable defense, making this playoff matchup highly anticipated.

Los Angeles Chargers Injury Report:

  • J.K. Dobbins (RB): QUESTIONABLE - Limited participation in practice due to an ankle injury.

  • Gus Edwards (RB): Full participation in practice Thursday after dealing with an ankle issue.

  • Quentin Johnston (WR): QUESTIONABLE - Did not practice Wednesday and LP Thursday due to thigh and illness concerns.

  • Josh Palmer (WR): OUT - Did not practice all week because of a foot injury.

  • Trey Pipkins (T): QUESTIONABLE - Limited participation in practice all week with an oblique strain.

  • Rashawn Slater (T): Full participation in practice Wednesday and Thursday despite a knee issue.

  • Ja'sir Taylor (DB): DOUBTFUL - Limited participation in practice on Thursday.

Houston Texans Injury Report:

  • Shaq Mason (G): OUT- Did not practice due to a sprained MCL in his knee.

  • John Metchie III (WR): QUESTIONABLE - Limited participation in practice with a shoulder injury.

  • Denico Autry (DE): QUESTIONABLE - Limited participation in practice Wednesday because of a knee issue.

  • Jake Hansen (LB): QUESTIONABLE - Limited participation in practice Wednesday with an ankle injury.

  • Will Anderson Jr. (DE): Full participation in practice despite a hand injury.

Key Matchup: Justin Herbert vs. Texans' Pass Defense

A pivotal aspect of this game will be Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert's performance against the Texans' pass defense, particularly over the middle of the field. The Texans have shown vulnerability in this area, allowing a 0.22 Expected Points Added (EPA) per play when opponents target the middle. Herbert's proficiency in utilizing play-action passes to exploit this weakness could be a decisive factor in the game's outcome.

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Betting Insights

According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Chargers are currently favored by 2.5 points over the Texans.

FREE SIC PICK - Injury-Based Betting Recommendation

Ladd McConkey Over 72.5 Receiving Yards

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