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Houston (10-5-0) at LA Chargers (11-4-0)
- When: Dec 27 2025, 4:30 PM
- Where: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
- Where to watch: NFL Network
- Last Meeting: HOU 32-12, January 11th, 2025
Houston vs LA Chargers Preview & Prediction
Spread: LA Chargers -1.5
Moneyline: LA Chargers (-125)
Total: 39.0
Los Angeles Chargers Betting Breakdown
Justin Herbert does not need a reminder of how ugly last postseason ended. That playoff loss to Houston still lingers, and this matchup feels like a chance to rewrite the script. During the regular season, Herbert protected the football as well as any quarterback in the league, making last year’s collapse feel like an outlier rather than a trend. Los Angeles enters this game playing confident, disciplined football, riding a four game winning streak and firmly in the playoff picture.
The Chargers have been winning with balance, leaning on efficient offense and timely defense rather than fireworks. Herbert knows the emphasis this week is simple: protect the ball, finish drives, and stay patient. With the AFC West still in reach and another divisional showdown looming next week, this game carries weight beyond revenge. Playing at home gives Los Angeles added comfort, and the coaching staff understands this is the type of low scoring, physical game where execution matters more than explosiveness.
Injuries will test the Chargers depth, especially in the middle of the defense, but their recent form suggests they are built to handle tight games. This is not about style points. It is about control, field position, and not beating themselves.
Houston Texans Betting Breakdown
Houston arrives red hot and confident, riding a seven game winning streak and owning one of the league’s most consistent defenses. This group thrives on pressure, turnovers, and limiting big plays, exactly the formula that worked so well against the Chargers last postseason. The Texans know Los Angeles will come in focused, but that will not change their identity.
C.J. Stroud has matured quickly, keeping the offense steady while the defense does the heavy lifting. Houston’s pass rush has been relentless all season, and the secondary has proven it can capitalize when quarterbacks get careless. This team understands the stakes clearly. A win secures a playoff spot, and that urgency has been present in their late season push.
Injuries on the offensive line could be a concern, but Houston has shown it can adapt, shorten games, and win ugly when necessary. They are comfortable in grind it out situations.
Betting Outlook and Prediction
With the total sitting under forty, this matchup shapes up as a defensive battle. Both teams prefer to control tempo, limit mistakes, and lean on defense. The narrow spread reflects how evenly matched these teams are right now, but home field and recent momentum slightly favor Los Angeles.
Final Score: Chargers 20, Texans 17
Lean: LA Chargers -1.5
Total: Under 39.0
- NFL Football Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
