Can Houston's defense disrupt Los Angeles' win streak? Unpacking critical questions surrounding injuries, offensive line struggles, and playoff seeding.
The Houston Texans will visit the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium for the penultimate game of their regular season. Both teams have a lot on the line in the midst of a heating AFC Playoff race, with both looking to cause havoc in the seedings before January football.
Chargers fan and Site Contributor for FanSided's "Bolt Beat" (@BB_Chargers on X), Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99 on X), joined me at the Texans Roundtable today to discuss the course of the Chargers' season and what's at stake for the team heading into Saturday.
Clayton Anderson: What do you think the main reason is for the Chargers' current four-game win streak?
Alex Insdorf: Justin Herbert has obviously gritted through a broken hand. Whether it's been on the ground or through the air, he's made some huge plays with the season on the line. But if you're looking for the main reason, it has to be the defense stepping up.
Jesse Minter's group has allowed 20 points combined in the second halves of their last four games. That includes back-to-back second-half shutouts of the Chiefs and Cowboys. After getting worked by the Jaguars before the bye week, it's back to looking like an elite unit.
CA: What do you think about the performance of the offensive line in light of the major injuries to the personnel?
AI: They're doing the best they can do in the current moment. The Chargers still have the 32nd-ranked pass block win rate in the league; it's no secret that the offensive line is a weak spot. But, there have been moments where Greg Roman's play calling has helped the offensive line out a bit. Despite 23 pressures against Dallas, the Chargers were getting the ball out quickly, and Herbert navigated muddy pockets well.
They're notably dealing with injuries to the backups that have become starters. Left tackle Jamaree Salyer and right tackle Trey Pipkins have dealt with injuries recently. Starting right guard Mekhi Becton also missed practice on Tuesday.
CA: What percentage chance do you give the Chargers to realistically challenge the Broncos/the AFC field for the #1 seed?
AI: There's a very realistic chance to challenge the Broncos assuming they can win this week against the Texans. The Chargers' fate is in their own hands after Jacksonville's win over Denver. I sell the odds at the one seed a little bit because New England's schedule is very, very light even if they do beat out Denver.
However, the two or three seeds are very attainable. I'd say 40% chance they can go 2-0 in the last games and beat out Denver for the AFC West title.
CA: Does the return of RB Omarion Hampton give you confidence for a dominant run game for the immediate future?
AI: Absolutely. Hampton had one of his most efficient performances against the Cowboys since his original injury. His 5.3 YPC vs. Dallas were the most since his breakout game in Week four against the Giants.
Hampton has gotten more comfortable at hitting the hole ever since he first returned from the ankle injury vs. Philadelphia. With running back Kimani Vidal now dealing with a neck injury, they'll also need Hampton to be closer to a true bell cow.
CA: What are three keys for a Chargers win on Saturday?
AI:
1. Get the ball out fast. Dropping back to pass with long developing concepts is just not going to get it done against Houston's defensive line and secondary. Can't open up Herbert to more hits either.
2. A big Omarion Hampton night, as you mentioned.
3. Pressure on C.J. Stroud. The Chargers' edge trio of Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, and Odafe Oweh has wreaked havoc on opponents over the last month. I think it has to look similar to what the Chiefs were able to do against Houston's offense in the second half of that game.
We at the Texans Roundtable appreciate Alex Insdorf and "Bolt Beat" once again for their contributions to the conversation and to quality professional sports discourse.
What's your final score prediction for the game? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below and on the official Texans Roundtable X account, @Texans_RTB!