Houston Texans vs. San Diego Chargers: Staff predictions

Writer: Chad Washington

Outlook: This game will be a psychological test for the Texans, who had a lot of bad breaks along with some questionable coaching decisions factor into their loss over Oakland in Mexico City.

Now the question is how will the team respond to adversity against a San Diego team that has had more than its share of close losses this year. The Chargers are a better team than their 4-6 record, and its offense ranks second in the NFL with 29.2 points per game and its defense can get to the quarterback.

The game should come down to which defense plays better in the second half, as the Texans didn’t play well in the fourth quarter against the Raiders last week, allowing two crucial touchdowns leading to the loss. Meanwhile, San Diego has had a lead in four of its six losses this season. The Chargers has a very good pass rush, led by Joey Bosa, that can cause trouble. But its their secondary that has let them down.

Brock Osweiler showed signs that he is getting better, but he needs to continue to improve and keep getting the ball to DeAndre Hopkins and hitting the tight ends on short gains.

The Houston defense will be tested by Phillip Rivers, who is still one of the better quarterbacks in the league despite the losing record. It will be up to the Texans cornerbacks to stay with a speedy group of Charger wideouts that can be gamebreakers if they get loose.

I have a bad feeling about this game since the Texans came off of a tough loss last week, and San Diego is due for a big win after losing so many close games. But I’m going to take Houston in this one since it is at home and Osweiler has played better at home.

Prediction: Texans 28, Chargers 24