Los Angeles Chargers vs Houston Texans predictions, odds, and picks for Week 17 clash

The 10-5 Houston Texans are visiting the 11-4 Los Angeles Chargers in one of the premier matchups of Week 17. The AFC West is at stake for Los Angeles while Houston is aiming to clinch a playoff spot. It doesn't get much bigger than this.

However, if you want to raise the stakes even further, Sportskeeda is here to help ensure you come out on the winning end. Here's a betting guide and everything else you need to know about the contest.

Los Angeles Chargers vs Houston Texans: Game Details

Game: Houston at Los Angeles

Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!

Date & Time: Saturday, Dec. 12 at 4:30 PM EST

Venue: SoFi Stadium

Los Angeles Chargers vs Houston Texans: Betting Odds (via BetMGM)

Spread

Houston (+1.5)

Los Angeles (-1.5)

Moneyline

Houston (+100)

Los Angeles (-120)

Total

Over/Under (39.5)

Los Angeles Chargers vs Houston Texans: Picks

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The safest bet you can make is to take the Justin Herbert anytime touchdown. Herbert has thrown a touchdown in all but one contest this season, setting the odds near 100% that he can keep the pattern going with Keenan Allen back on the team to join Ladd McConkey.

Another riskier bet to consider taking is the C.J. Stroud anytime touchdown, as he has thrown for at least one touchdown in each of his last three games and has only failed to throw for a touchdown in three games he has played this season.

Los Angeles Chargers vs Houston Texans: NFL Injury Report

Houston

T Trent Brown (Ankle/Knee) - Out

T Aireontae Ersery (Thumb) - Questionable

CB Ajani Carter (Hamstring) - Questionable

LB Jamal Hill (Calf/Wrist) - Out

DE Darrell Taylor (Ankle) - Questionable

WR Justin Watson (Calf) - Questionable

Los Angeles

G Mekhi Becton (Knee) - Questionable

WR Derius Davis (Ankle) - Out

SAF R.J. Mickens (Shoulder) - Out

G Jamaree Salyer (Hamstring) - Out

CB Benjamin St-Juste (Shoulder) - Out

DT Teair Tart (Groin) - Questionable

RB Kimani Vidal (Neck) - Questionable

Los Angeles Chargers vs Houston Texans: Head-to-Head

Los Angeles and the Houston Texans have not clashed many times in the history of the teams. However, in the ten games the two teams have faced off since 2002, Los Angeles has come out on top by a narrow 6-4 margin. Houston has had Los Angeles' number in recent matchups, going 3-1 dating back to 2019.

Most recently, Houston defeated Los Angeles on Jan. 11, 2025, by a final score of 32-12. Justin Herbert and C.J. Stroud played in the contest.

Los Angeles Chargers vs Houston Texans: Prediction for Week 17

Los Angeles has already clinched a playoff spot, but with the AFC West still in range, the team will pull out every stop. Houston, still in danger of missing the playoffs, will want the win more.

Considering Jim Harbaugh's blowout loss at this time of year in the 2024 season, expect Houston to win the contest for the second time in two years by a score of 20-16.

Edited by Ian Van Roy