The Houston Texans (+3000 to win Super Bowl 54) got in the win column after defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2, and they will look to make two in a row when they tangle with the Los Angeles Chargers in Carson. The Bolts (+3000) are suffering injuries to some of their key players, but can Philip Rivers lead his team to a win? Or will the Texans take advantage and steal a victory?
Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson said following his team’s 13-12 home win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2 that Houston’s offense is still a work in progress. Indeed, the Texans have plenty of weapons outside of Watson, and it’s up to them to get them together on the same page. To be fair, Jacksonville owns a solid defense, which largely explains the low offensive output for the Texans, but once Watson and company get it together, they’d be a terror on that side of the ball. Watson threw for 159 yards with zero touchdowns and no interception on 16 of 29 completions against the Jaguars, but he scored the lone Texans touchdown with his legs. Speaking of which, Watson might have to run more together with Carlos Hyde and Duke Johnson against Los Angeles, which isn’t that stout against the run. In fact, the Chargers are only 28th in the NFL with 148.5 rushing yards allowed per contest.
The Texans are 4-1-2 against the spread (ATS) in their last six games away from home.
Betting on the Los Angeles Chargers (1-1)
The Chargers are limping right now. They are coming off a 13-10 home loss to the Detroit Lions, and are now dealing with several health problems to their players. Tight end Hunter Henry, safety Derwin James, and left tackle Russell Okung, all missed the Lions game due to injuries to add up the continuing hold out of running back Melvin Gordon. Then safety Adrian Phillips also landed on the injured reserve list after sustaining a forearm injury against Detroit. Most of the pressure falls on the shoulders of quarterback Philip Rivers, who produced 293 passing yards, zero touchdowns, and an interception on 21 of 36 completions in Week 2’s loss. Running back Austin Ekeler, meanwhile, is making a killing on the ground with the opportunity he’s been given while Gordon remains away. Ekeler had 66 rushing yards and a touchdown on 17 carries against Detroit. Compared to the Jags, who gave the Texans a run for their own money despite a rookie quarterback under center, the Chargers are still standing on a more stable ground offensively, as Rivers is healthy and enjoys a big threat top option downfield in Keenan Allen. The Chargers have enough weapons to rattle Houston’s defense.
The under is 6-4 in the Chargers’ last 10 home games.
