If you want to be the best…
Over the weekend, Houston Texans offensive coordinator Nick Culley seemed to be doing everything he could to get the Las Vegas Raiders to beat the Texans in what was supposed to be a blowout in H-Town. Now, we all know that the gap between good teams and bad teams in the NFL is very thin. But there’s no way a competent offensive coordinator would struggle the way Calley did. Especially with CJ Stroud, Nico Collins, Dalton Schultz, Nick Chubb and all the other weapons at his disposal.
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Thankfully, Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke once again saved the day. Burke’s defensive performance has been outstanding and his name is already on the list for next year’s head coaching vacancy. The bright side to at least Cali’s 2025 profile is that there’s little chance for other teams to try and steal him this offseason.
The entire masthead has had a ventilation meeting in Cali this week, so we’ll be moving forward.
The Los Angeles Chargers are a much better team than the division rival Raiders this season. In fact, the Chargers have been a better team than the Raiders for decades. Now, the Chargers have clinched a playoff spot, while the Denver Broncos have clinched the AFC West title. Therefore, one might assume that the Chargers have “nothing to play for” and should rest their starters.
However, this seems unlikely.
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And, like the Raiders, the Chargers have a stout defense. In fact, it’s in the top 5 according to the following statistics:
Houston Texans Defense: #1
Los Angeles Chargers Defense: #5
The Chargers’ offense is currently averaging 345.5 yards per game and 23.3 points per game.
The Texans offense is averaging 323.9 yards and 23.1 points per game.
Los Angeles’ defense is giving up 283.1 yards and 20.1 points per game.
Houston’s defense is giving up 272.3 yards and 16.6 points per game.
Los Angeles has a turnover differential of +3, while H-Town has a turnover differential of +15.
Based on those statistics, you have to give Houston an advantage in what could be a low-scoring, ugly, violent game.
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Houston Texans Week 17 stats
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In 2025, the Texans lead the NFL in total defense (272.3 yards allowed per game) and scoring defense (16.6 points allowed per game).
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QB CJ STROUD completed 23 of 35 carries. (65.7%) Gained 187 yards and a touchdown in Week 16. The goal was to pass for the sixth consecutive time on the road with over 200 yards.
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RB JAWHAR JORDAN had 5 catches and 70 scrimmage yards last week (53 rushes, 17 catches). The goal was to gain more than 70 yards from scrimmage for the third consecutive time.
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RB NICK CHUBB had 42 scrimmage yards in Week 16 (33 rushing, 9 receiving). Gained 170 yards (161 rushing, 9 receiving) and a rushing touchdown in his only career game in LAC (10/10/21 vs. Cle.).
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WR Nico Collins had 59 recommendations. Code last week. The goal is to score 55+ for the ninth time in a row. code. 2 TD catches in last 3 road games. Had three catches for 82 yards in his last game.
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WR Christian Kirk had 37 carries. Week 16 yardage. Had 6 catches for 72 yards and a touchdown in his final game against LAC (9/25/22 w/ Jax.).
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TE DALTON SCHULTZ had 5 catches for 35 yards and a touchdown last week. The target was the third consecutive game with five or more catches and a touchdown. With over 5 catches and over 50 records. Four of his yard gains in his past five games have come on the road.
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DE WILL ANDERSON was fired in Week 16. Ranked fifth in the NFL with 17 TFL this season. There have been TFLs in 10 of the past 11 games and each of the seven road games this season.
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DE DANIELLE HUNTER was fired last week. The target had his third consecutive sack. In his last game against LAC (9/24/23, min), he had 4 tackles, 2 TFL, sacks and FF.
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CB KAMARI LASSITER had 8 tackles and 2 defensive plays in Week 16. Ranked fifth among NFL defensive players this season (16). Had PD 11 out of 12 times in the past including. There have been 2 PDs in each of the last 3 games.
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CB DEREK STINGLEY had a FF and a 31-yard INT-TD last week. Had PD 2 out of 3 times in the past.
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S CALEN BULLOCK led the team in tackles in Week 16 with nine.
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S JALEN PITRE had 7 tackles and defense last week. The goal is to work with PD for the fifth time in a row. Had 7 tackles and TFL in last meeting.
Anyone who doesn’t realize how horribly talented, hungry and physical the 2025 Texans defense is is not paying attention.
Los Angeles Chargers Week 17 Statistics
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The Chargers qualified for the playoffs two consecutive years for the first time since 2006-09, when they made four consecutive playoff appearances.
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Quarterback JUSTIN HERBERT completed 23 of 29 snaps. (79.3%) 300 yards and 2 TDs vs. 0 INT, a 132.8 rating, and rushed for 42 yards and a TD in Week 16. Passing HOFer Kurt Warner (30) for the third-most games in history, passing for over 300 yards in his sixth season. Needs 302 passing yards to surpass HOFer Peyton Manning (24,885) to become the player with the most passing yards in history for the sixth season. Completed 27 of 39 attacks. (69.2%) 340 yards and 2 touchdowns compared to 0 sacks in the last game and a 113.2 rating.
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RB OMARION HAMPTON (rookie) had 95 scrimmage yards (85 rush, 10 catches) and a rushing touchdown last week. 2 touchdowns in the past 3 games. The goal is to have 65 or more yards in 7 consecutive games.
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WR QUENTIN JOHNSTON had 4 catches for 104 yards and a touchdown in Week 16. 2 touchdowns on last 3 catches.
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WR LADD MCCONKEY caught a touchdown catch last week. The TD has come on 3 of the last 4 catches at SoFi Stadium.
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WR KEENAN ALLEN had 5 catches in Week 16. The goal is to catch five or more catches for the third consecutive time.
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LB KHALIL MACK has had a sack in 4 of his last 5 games at SoFi Stadium and has had a sack in 3 of his last 4 games at SoFi Stadium. The goal is to face Hou for the fourth consecutive time. with sacks.
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LB TULI TUIPULOTU had 4 tackles, a sack and his 1st sack of the season last week. Has been sacked in 3 of the past 4 games.
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LB DAIYAN HENLEY had 6 tackles in Week 16. Had PD 2 out of 3 times in the past.
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CB BENJAMIN ST-JUSTE had 5 tackles and defense last week. In the only game of his career against Hou, he hit a PD. (Previously 11/20/22).
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S DERWIN JAMES had 6 tackles and FF in Week 16. Had 7 tackles and 2 defensive tackles in the last meeting.
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S TONY JEFFERSON led the team with eight tackles last week. Had PD 3 out of the past 4 times.
No defense from Khalil Mack should be overlooked. And this Chargers D is achieving that goal. Playing against a manager like Cali will certainly make them gnash their teeth.
But once again, the Texans’ playmakers will be effective.
Another key stat: Houston has won seven straight — the longest streak in the league currently. Will this continue?
Houston Texans vs Los Angeles Chargers Prediction
Houston Texans – 20
Los Angeles Chargers – 18
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While the NFL continues to find ways to make it difficult for fans to attend games, Rich Eisen, Kurt Warner and staff will call this “a game” on NFL Network. If you don’t have the channel in your Steam pack, your local pub may show it as this is the only Saturday afternoon game tomorrow.
