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The Chargers have by no means gained 5 in a row below coach Jim Harbaugh, however they’ve an opportunity to take action Saturday. It gained’t be straightforward towards this Houston Texans protection, ranked No. 1 within the NFL.
The Texans crushed the Chargers within the first spherical of the playoffs final season, intercepting Justin Herbert 4 instances in a 32-12 drubbing.
Now, the Texans are driving a seven-game profitable streak and haven’t dropped a recreation since a three-point residence loss to Denver in the beginning of November.
The Chargers clinched a playoff berth this week however are on the lookout for greater than a wild-card spot. In the event that they win Saturday, the AFC West title — and no less than another recreation at SoFi Stadium — is inside attain. Even the AFC’s No. 1 seed is in play.
How the Texans can win: Houston’s protection can maintain up towards the run and has the secondary to problem Herbert, however the Texans offense has been one of many league’s worst within the crimson zone. The Texans have to convert these alternatives into touchdowns. C.J. Stroud is at his finest throwing between the numbers when safety holds, though he has a suspect offensive line, and the Texans will lean on quick passes to compensate for a shaky operating recreation. Forcing a turnover or two is essential. Houston thrives when it shortens the sphere and avoids asking the offense to maintain lengthy drives. Discipline objectives alone gained’t be sufficient.
How the Chargers can win: Management the sport with stability and endurance. Houston’s protection is opportunistic and wonderful at forcing turnovers, however it may be careworn if Herbert has time and the Chargers keep dedicated to the run. That gained’t be straightforward if Kimani Vidal is out. Even modest success on the bottom forces the Texans to respect play-action fakes and opens throwing lanes, significantly over the center. Herbert’s potential to flee stress and run, particularly up the center towards man protection, could possibly be a hidden weapon late. If the Chargers defend the ball and end drives as an alternative of settling for area objectives, they’ll maintain Houston from dictating the tempo.
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