The Houston Texans (2-5) and LA Chargers (0-7) square off Sunday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, in Week 9. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET (CBS). Let's analyze NFL odds around the Texans at Chargers odds and make our expert NFL picks and predictions for the best bets.
The Texans enter the game off a bye after allowing a season-high 188 yards rushing in a 27-21 OT loss to the visiting New York Giants on Oct. 25. After the Texans opened OT with a 3-and-out, the Giants needed just 3 plays to end the game as RB Cam Skattebo's 42-yard run was followed up by a 30-yard TD run by RB Devin Singletary. While Texans QB C.J. Stroud threw 2 TD passes -- including a game-tying score with 52 seconds remaining in regulation, he passed for a season-low
153 yards. The Giants outgained the Texans 420 yards to 237.
The Chargers failed to find the end zone for the second straight game in a 24-9 loss to the LA Rams last Sunday. Chargers QB Justin Herbert completed 24 of 32 passes for 257 yards, but threw 2 INTs. The Chargers ground game was dreadful, amassing 64 yards with RB Kimani Vidal leading the way with 23 yards on 8 carries. The Rams leaned on their run game with RB Blake Corum (11 carries, 73 yards, 1 TD) and RB Kyren Williams (16 carries, 56 yards, 1 TD) as QB Matthew Stafford had a quiet game with 157 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT.
The Chargers lead the all-time series vs. the Texans 6-5, but have lost 4 of the past 5 meetings. Last season, the visiting Texans sacked Herbert 5 times en route to a 20-16 victory over the Chargers on December 27, 2025. Herbert completed 21 of 32 passes for 236 with 1 TD and 1 INT, while Stroud completed 16 of 28 passes for 244 yards, 2 TDs and 2 INTs. The Chargers struggled to run the ball with Herbert's 37 yards leading a ground attack that compiled 74 yards. Texans RB Woody Marks rushed for 71 yards on 19 carries.
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Texans at Chargers odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 1:15 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Texans -235 (bet $235 to win $100) | Chargers +200 (bet $100 to win $200)
- Against the spread (ATS): Texans -6 (-105) | Chargers +6 (-112)
- Over/Under (O/U): 40.5 (O: -110 | U: -108)
Texans at Chargers key injuries
TEXANS
- S Reed Blankenship (concussion/hand) out
- RB David Montgomery (groin) out
CHARGERS
- G Kayode Awosika (leg) doubtful
- CB Deane Leonard (concussion) out
- TE David Njoku (leg) doubtful
- LB Denzel Perryman (pectoral) doubtful
- WR Brenen Thompson (quad/hamstring) doubtful
- S Kendall Williamson (calf) out
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Texans at Chargers picks and predictions
Prediction
Texans 20, Chargers 17
Moneyline
PASS.
What a difference a season makes. Last December when these teams met, the Texans clinched a playoff berth with their win over the Chargers as LA had already locked up its playoff spot. This season, it would take a major miracle for the Chargers to make the postseason, and the Texans aren't faring much better.
I'm hard-pressed to believe the Chargers will go winless, though next week's game vs. the reeling Ravens might offer a better opportunity. Nevertheless, it wouldn't surprise me if the Chargers upset the Texans on Sunday, but I'd feel safer with the points.
Against the spread
BET CHARGERS +6 (-108)
The line has soared to 6 after the Texans opened the week as 3-point favorites. Perhaps it's because some people were expecting Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel to get the boot with LA averaging 14.1 PPG, worst in the league by more than 2 points. But McDaniel is safe for another week, though he will move up to the coach's box instead of calling plays from the sideline.
Even getting 6 points, it may be a stretch to pick the Chargers as they would not have covered this line in 6 of their 7 games. The other game would have been a push. They sit 0-7 ATS this season.
But the Texans aren't exactly world beaters on offense; they're solid, but inconsistent, averaging 338.1 yards and 23.6 points per game. You may be surprised to know that the Chargers currently rank ahead of the Texans in total defense (LA 323 YPG, Houston 342 YPG) while the difference is scoring defense is negligible (Houston 24.3 PPG, LA 25 PPG).
Over/Under
PASS.
While only 1 Chargers game has cleared 40 points this season, 4 of their 7 games have landed exactly at 40 points. I lean Under, but I don't love the total and would prefer to stay away.
Best prop bet
BET TEXANS RB WOODY MARKS 75+ YARDS RUSHING YARDS (+120).
With Montgomery out another week as he nurses a groin injury, Marks will again carry the load for the Texans. The Chargers have been vulnerable to the run, giving up an average of 124.6 YPG.
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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Houston Texans at LA Chargers odds, picks and predictions
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