Can the Los Angeles Chargers win a game? They just need one at this point, because it’s embarrassing to be the only winless team in the NFL. And considering their track record against the Texans in their last couple matchups, this week may not be their week. Below are some things to watch for in the next game:
Whether the Chargers Can Finally Beat The Texans?
The Ringer Fantasy Football Show mentioned on Monday’s podcast that the Chargers have not scored a passing touchdown since October 11. And ever since the Texans entered the C.J. Stroud era, the Chargers have not been able to win against them.
And it’s going to be really difficult if they can’t score any passing touchdowns. Hopefully the run game can get going, but much of this matchup will come down to Herbert’s performance.
If Quarterback Justin Herbert Can Return To Form
Herbert had some instances in the first half of the Rams game on Sunday where he looked a bit like his old self. There was a completion up the middle to wide receiver Ladd McConkey for a first down, and then despite facing pressure, Herbert got the ball to wide receiver Quentin Johnston not long after for another first down.
And a couple of the flea flickers they tried actually resulted in positive yardage. Herbert also had another completion to Johnston for 21 yards in the second quarter. And there was the Hail Mary to Johnston in the end zone, where even though he was surrounded by several defenders, the ball actually got to him, then got away from him because of Rams safety Kamren Kinchens, and McConkey retrieved it short of the goal line.
Herbert was avoiding pressure, connecting with his receiving targets, and making longer throws. And for a moment, it looked like the Chargers could push through. But those flashes of Herbert were short-lived.
In the second half, the Chargers didn’t score, and there was a fumble out of bounds by Herbert as well as another interception.
The season is collapsing, and Herbert seems to be the most visible representation of that. And up next, he’s against a Texans team that’s really pressured him in the past. Maybe this is the game he needs to finally get back to who he was, but as the season gets further and further away from the Chargers, it’s less and less likely.
Will The Chargers’ Pass Rush Dominate Texans Quarterback C.J. Stroud?
Despite drafting guard Keylan Rutledge in the first round, Pro Football Focus (PFF) currently has the Texans 31st in their offensive line rankings and says, “Rookie left guard Keylan Rutledge has just one game this season where he has finished with a PFF grade above 55.0. Through seven games, the first-round pick has surrendered 21 total pressures on a 34.1 PFF pass-blocking grade.” The Chargers’ pass rush should be able to exploit this weakness and make life much more difficult for Stroud.
In the first drive of the second quarter against the Rams on Sunday, edge Tuli Tuipulotu had his third sack of the year. Tuipulotu has been off to a slower start when it comes to sacks this season, but both he and edge Khalil Mack lead the team with three. And against a rookie offensive lineman, that’s the perfect opportunity to break through.
Can the Chargers’ Secondary Contain The Explosive Plays?
The Chargers’ secondary had an issue with explosive plays against the Rams. In the second quarter, Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell had a big gain of 40 yards with a reception down the sideline, with cornerback Tarheeb Still in coverage. And in the third quarter, Rams running back Blake Corum had a rushing touchdown of 23 yards, where safety Elijah Molden missed him on a tackle. And there were similar explosive plays when the Chargers faced the Texans last year.
In Week 17’s matchup in 2025, Stroud had a deep throw to wide receiver Jaylin Noel, with Molden in coverage, which resulted in a 43-yard touchdown. Even with Noel on injured reserve, the Texans still have the likes of wide receiver Nico Collins as well as recently acquired Marvin Harrison Jr., while Tank Dell will be ramping up after coming back from injury, so the Chargers have to be prepared.
Cornerback Cam Hart leads the team in passes defended (six) and is on track to exceed or get close to his career high from last year (11). He also leads the team in solo tackles (17) along with linebacker Daiyan Henley.
Safety Tony Jefferson also has 16 solo tackles and helped stop Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua from getting a touchdown in the second quarter last Sunday.
The Chargers cannot let the Texans exploit the deep part of the field and have to tackle well if they want to keep this game close, especially if the Chargers’ offense continues to struggle.