The Los Angeles Chargers (1-2) visit the Houston Texans (0-2-1) in an AFC battle Sunday. Kickoff from NRG Stadium is slated for 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Chargers vs Texans, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.
The Chargers came into the season strong, beating their divisional rival Raiders in Week 1 by a score of 24-19. But they have dropped their last 2 in a row – to Kansas City (27-24) and Jacksonville (38-10). QB Justin Herbert suffered a rib injury in Week 2 but was able to play in Week 3, despite not looking like himself. He missed some practice time, but he doesn’t carry an injury designation for this one.
The Texans come into this game looking to get their first win of the season. After finishing their Week 1 game in a tie vs. the Colts, and dropping their last 2 to the Broncos and Bears, they are looking to bounce back with a win this week against an injured Chargers team coming off a big loss. QB Davis Mills hasn’t looked great so far, posting only 3 touchdowns to 2 interceptions, 662 passing yards and a 58% completion percentage.
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Chargers at Texans odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 11:30 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Chargers -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | Texans +205 (bet $100 to win $205)
- Against the spread (ATS): Chargers -5.5 (-115) | Texans +5.5 (-107)
- Over/Under (O/U): 44.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)
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Chargers at Texans key injuries
Chargers
- WR Keenan Allen (hamstring) out
- LB Joey Bosa (groin) out
- CB J.C. Jackson (ankle) questionable
- C Corey Linsley (knee) questionable
- OT Rashawn Slater (biceps) out
Texans
- TE Pharoah Brown (hip, shoulder) questionable
- TE Brevin Jordan (ankle) questionable
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Chargers at Texans picks and predictions
Prediction
Chargers 24, Texans 9
Money line
While this should be a game that the Chargers can easily win, I wouldn’t take this bet. The risk is too high for the reward here, especially with the Chargers having so many of their stars battling injury. The Texans haven’t looked good, but this is still the NFL, and I wouldn’t risk losing money on this bet because the Texans can easily win this game with the injuries plaguing the Chargers roster. PASS.
Against the spread
LEAN CHARGERS -5.5 (-115)
If the Chargers were fully healthy I would say to take this bet with no hesitation, but they’re not. While the Chargers defense has looked solid thus far in the season, injuries to key players such as CB J.C. Jackson and LB Joey Bosa will hinder this defense significantly. But, this defense still has stars all around it. With LB Khalil Mack, CB Asante Samuel Jr., S Derwin James and LB Kyle Van Noy, this defense should be more than enough to hold back a lackluster Texans offense.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 44.5 (-107)
Neither of these offenses have looked amazing to start the season, and with the injuries I am not expecting either team to put up many points. The Texans offense will prove to be no match for the Chargers defense, but the Chargers still have RB Austin Ekeler, WR Mike Williams and TE Gerald Everett to rely on. But that won’t be enough to evade the Under.
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