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Chargers at Texans: Game preview, odds, prediction

By Russell S. Baxter

Nov 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) is defended by Miami Dolphins free safety Michael Thomas (31) during the third quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) is defended by Miami Dolphins free safety Michael Thomas (31) during the third quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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The San Diego Chargers have had an extra week to prepare for their clash with the Houston Texans. Will the work pay off in a road victory?

At 4-6, the San Diego Chargers are four games behind the first-place Oakland Raiders in the powerful AFC West. When last we saw Mike McCoy’s club, quarterback Philip Rivers was throwing four interceptions in the fourth quarter in what was a disappointing 31-24 loss to the San Diego Chargers in Week 10.

Now the Bolts hit the road, where they have won only once this season. Their destination is Houston to face a Texans squad that is 5-0 at home. Bill O’Brien’s club also comes off a loss, a 27-20 defeat at the hands of the Oakland Raiders on Monday night at Mexico City.

While Rivers and Houston quarterback Brock Osweiler will get their share of attention, we have a clash of premier running backs this week. San Diego’s Melvin Gordon ranks fourth in the NFL with 838 yards rushing and nine touchdowns on the ground. Right behind him is Texans workhorse Lamar Miller, who has run for 824 yards and three scores in 10 outings.

Odds

Line: Texans (-1)

Over/Under: 47

The Chargers have been one of the better run defenses in the league this season. However, the overall edge on this side of the ball goes to the Texans. Only four teams in the NFL have allowed fewer total yards per game. And only three clubs have permitted few yards per outing through the air. In that loss to the Raiders, Romeo Crennel’s defense limited Oakland to 30 yards rushing on 20 attempts.

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It will be a well-rested Chargers team that will face the Texans, who are coming off a short week. There will be a great showdown of sorts in the running back battle between Miller and Gordon. But this is also a San Diego team tied for the most turnovers in the league this season (22). You can’t help but think that will come back to haunt them in this matchup. Via Whitney Mercilus, Jadeveon Clowney and company, look for Houston’s defense to apply just enough heat to Rivers to make a difference in this matchup.

Pick: Texans 26, Chargers 21

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