This week’s matchup is between two teams who started the 2026 season on the same note, but have since diverged a bit.
The Texans began the season 0-4, but managed to find the solution to rattle off back-to-back wins before dropp their game prior to the bye. At 2-5, the outlook of there season can still come with hope. At 0-7, there really isn’t anything left to cling to.
Still, a two-win team is a legitimate chance for the Chargers to earn their first win of the season. Depending on the version of the Houston
defense shows up, that is. Coming out of their bye, the Texans are allowing 244 passing yards per game, good for 28th in the league. I’m not saying that enough of a reason to believe that Justin Herbert could have a decent day throwing the football, but it’s something!
The Chargers offensive line will still need to contend with both Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter. The former is one of the best in the league and his 7.5 sacks this year are the top mark in the NFL along with the Steelers’ T.J. Watt.
Expectations are low. They have to be, but if you can’t get some hope up for one thing or another, then what’s the point of tuning in!
That said, let’s go ahead and check out how these two teams match up on paper!
Chargers Offense
Total yards per game: 288.3 (28th)
Points per game: 14.1 (32nd)
Passing yards per game: 177.1 (26th)
Rushing yards per game: 111.1 (18th)
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Top Performers
Passing: QB Justin Herbert – 1,398 passing yards, 5 touchdowns
Rushing yards: RB Omarion Hampton – 309
Rushing touchdowns: RB Omarion Hampon – 3
Receiving yards: WR Ladd McConkey – 286
Receptions: WR Tre’ Harris – 18
Receiving touchdowns: 5 players tied @ 1
Chargers Defense
Total yards allowed per game: 323.0 (13th)
Points allowed per game: 25.0 (20th)
Passing yards allowed per game: 198.4 (7th)
Rushing yards allowed per game: 124.6 (23rd)
Top Performers
Tackles: LB Daiyan Henley – 41
Tackles for loss: EDGE Khalil Mack – 5
Sacks: EDGE Khalil Mack, EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu – 3
Passes Defended: CB Cam Hart – 6
Interceptions: S Genesis Smith, CB Cam Hart – 2
Forced fumbles: LB Troy Dye, EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu – 2 FF
Fumble recoveries: LB Daiyan Henley – 2
Texans Offense
Total yards per game: 338.1 (15th)
Points per game: 23.9 (12th)
Passing yards per game: 253.4 (7th)
Rushing yards per game: 84.7 (29th)
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Top Performers
Passing: QB Sam Darnold – 1,867 passing yards, 11 touchdowns
Rushing yards: RB Woody Marks – 271
Rushing touchdowns: RB David Montgomery, RB Woody Marks – 2
Receiving yards: WR Jaylin Noel – 331
Receptions: TE Dalton Schultz – 33
Receiving touchdowns: TE Foster Moreau, WR Nico Collins – 3
Texans Defense
Total yards allowed per game: 342.0 (19th)
Points allowed per game: 24.3 (18th)
Passing yards allowed per game: 244.0 (28th)
Rushing yards allowed per game: 98.0 (11th)
Top Performers
Tackles: LV Azeez Al-Shaair – 58
Tackles for loss: EDGE Will Anderson – 10
Sacks: EDGE Will Anderson – 7.5
Passes Defended: CB Kamari Lassiter, S Jalen Pitre – 5
Interceptions: 3 players tied @ 1
Forced fumbles: 4 players tied @ 1
Fumble recoveries: 4 players tied @ 1
