Two teams surging toward the playoffs face off when a Houston Texans team on a five-game winning streak travel to face a Los Angeles Chargers team on a four-game winning streak.
Both teams are chasing division leaders Jacksonville and Denver, respectively, but San Diego has already clinched a wild card spot while Houston is likely to do so this week however this game turns out.
The Chargers come in as a two-point favorite, smaller than home field, as it looks to keep pace in the AFC West.
What time is the first NFL game Saturday?
The first game of Saturday’s NFL doubleheader features the Houston Texans traveling to face the Los Angeles Chargers at 2:30 p.m. MT/3:30 p.m. CT at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.
What channel is Saturday’s first NFL game on?
The game between the Texans and Chargers will be televised nationally on the NFL Network.
TV: NFL Network
Houston Texans record
Houston is 10-5.
Los Angeles Chargers record
The Los Angeles Chargers are 11-4.
Texans at Chargers odds
Chargers -2. Over-under 39 1/2. The Los Angeles Chargers are -130 on the money line and Houston is +115.
Texans at Chargers predictions
The line: Los Angeles Chargers 21, Houston Texans 19.
With a line of 2 points and an over-under of 39 1/2, the Chargers are expected to win 21-19.
The Arizona Republic: Texans 21, Chargers 17
Jeremy Cluff writes: “Justin Herbert and the Chargers are 5-2 at home and have won four in a row, but the Texans’ defense can wreak some havoc, especially against the Los Angeles offensive line. Houston will win its eighth straight game.”
Bookies.com: Bet the Texans with the points vs Chargers
Bill Speros writes: “Neither Saturday game airs on conventional TV. The opener shows exclusively on NFL Network. The Texans and Chargers are both one game back in their respective divisions. While each team has all but clinched a playoff berth, this game has must-win stamped on it if either hopes to win their division. The Texans enter this game on a heater, having won 7 straight. And they’ve covered in 4 of 5 against teams with a winning record. Two of the NFL’s toughest defenses take center stage. Houston’s best-in-the-NFL defensive unit (16.6 PP & 272.3 YPG) can keep Justin Herbert in check. But can the Texans generate enough offense to snag a road win here? Yes. But barely.”NFL power rankings Week 17: Where are Chargers, Texans ranked now?
Sports Betting Dime: Texans 15.6, Chargers 11
The site’s formula predicts that the Texans will win the NFL Week 17 game against the Chargers.
ESPN: Chargers have a 52.4% chance to beat Texans on Saturday
The site gives the Texans a 47.2% shot at winning the NFL Week 17 game, with the remaining percentage accounting for a tie.
Dimers: Texans 21, Chargers 18
It writes: “After extensive simulations, our model gives the Texans a win probability of 60%, while the Chargers have a win probability of 40%.”
Sportsnaut: Houston Texans 17, Los Angeles Chargers 13
Matt Johnson writes: “In a rematch of the AFC Wild Card Round matchup from January, in which Justin Herbert was picked off four times, this should be one of the most intriguing games in Week 17. The Houston Texans have the best pass rush in the NFL and are facing an injury-decimated Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive line that allowed 28 sacks (4.7 per game) from Weeks 9–15. Now, Houston is coming off a narrow victory over Las Vegas, and Jesse Minter’s defense will find its own ways to pressure C.J. Stroud. However, Houston’s massive advantage in the trenches against the Chargers’ offensive line feels like the X-factor that will determine this game.”
Bret Bloomquist can be reached at bbloomquist@elpasotimes.com; @Bretbloomquist on X
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: What channel is Saturday’s first NFL game on today? Texans at Chargers
Reporting by Bret Bloomquist, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
