The regular season is over. After all the preseason hype, the disappointing and heartbreaking losses, the offensive struggles, the plethora of injuries, the grueling schedule, here we are. 10-7, AFC South Champions, and hosting a home playoff game in the Wild Card round. It has been 17 games of some good, some bad, and some ugly but we have finally arrived to playoff football. Our first roadblock: the Los Angeles Chargers.
Shots Fired by ESPN’s Rex Ryan
Coach Ryans, get the bulletin board ready. ESPN’s Rex Ryan did not hold back when it came to discussing his view on the Texans and their chances in the playoffs, calling this upcoming game vs the Chargers a “basically a bye week” for the Chargers. Most of the national media seems to be OUT on the Houston Texans and their chances at a deep playoff run. These two teams are more evenly matched than the rest of the nation seems to believe they are. The aura of Jim Harbaugh and his quarterback, Justin Herbert certainly seems to be playing into this narrative. It’s been a season of ups and downs for Texans fans, but this quote should get the entire city of Houston juiced up for Saturday afternoon’s matchup.
Two Evenly Matched Teams: Who has the edge?
Credit: Maria Lysaker/AP
Both the Texans and the Chargers are similar in that they want to run the ball, they want to win the time of possession battle, and both teams have great defenses. The Texans boast their edge rushing duo of Will Anderson Jr and Danielle Hunter, who combined for 23 sacks (11 and 12 respectively). The Chargers on the other hand, counter with their stud tackle duo of Rashawn Slater and standout rookie Joe Alt. Both quarterbacks have minimal playoff experience, and both will have something to prove. Justin Herbert has been playing turnover free football, while CJ Stroud has struggled a bit with turnovers this season. Both teams have running backs whom they feel very confident they can hand the rock to and feel great about being successful in the ground game. These defenses are stacked with playmakers. Will Anderson Jr, Danielle Hunter, Derek Stingley Jr, Christian Harris. Derwin James, Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, and who could forget, former Texan Denzel Perryman! The Texans hold the advantage lies in its star WR, Nico Collins. Top 3 WR in the entire NFL. Nico Collins is a playmaker, and his ability to be a GAME CHANGER will be the difference in this game.
Kush’s Prediction: Texans 26 Chargers 20
After all the struggles and issues the Texans have had offensively all season long, I truly believe they have found a 5 man offensive line combination that can work in the short term. Tunsil, Howard, Patterson, Scruggs, Fisher. They showed me a little something in the last game of the season vs the Titans. Dameon Pierce, a guy who has been in and out of the lineup (mostly out) had his best career day last game. They will need all they can get from him to spell Joe Mixon and keep him fresh. CJ Stroud looked efficient the last time he was on the field. The Texans will put it all together and do just enough Saturday afternoon to get a big Wild Card Win at home before the send off to Kansas City, where they will attempt to do the impossible. Texans fans, the improbable playoff run starts NOW! Lets go Texans! BEAT LA!
