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The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, JJ Watt, doesn’t mind what is transpiring in Houston. In fact, the former Texan wants to make sure the defensive playmakers get their due.
If you’re a fan of edge rushers, this game is a dream.Danielle HunterWill Anderson Jr.Khalil MackJoey Bosa
All Beasts.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) January 11, 2025
Watt, one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history, retired from the NFL in 2022 after he scared quarterbacks for 12 seasons.
Score: Chargers 6, Texans 0
It hasn’t been the most eye-pleasing football game for both teams so far.
The Chargers and Texans have been trading punts and now interceptions.
CJ Stroud and Justin Herbert both stifled their respective offenses by getting picked off with semi-baffling decisions to throw the ball into tight coverage.
Neither offense can capitalize on their opponent’s turnover. Let’s just say both defenses are running the show.
Score: Chargers 6, Texans 0
Despite not putting up a bunch of points with their potent offense, the Chargers seem at ease inside NRG Stadium through one quarter. The team doesn’t appear to have been distracted by what is happening back at home.
Harbaugh has this team prepared for the task at hand.
He was here inside this building a year ago leading Michigan to a national championship when No. 1 Michigan beat No. 2 Washington to earn college football’s coveted title.
Houston on the other hand…
It’s a bad sign for Texans when they can’t run the ball and they can’t pass protect for more than a few seconds.
It may come down to five-to-seven-yard passes to earn a march down the field for possible points.
Score: Chargers 6, Texans 0
Do we have a sign of life for the Houston Texans?
The Texans defense came up with a huge stop of the Chargers offense, holding them to their first scoreless drive of the game.
Houston cornerback D’Angelo Ross blocked the ensuing Chargers punt, resulting in the best field position the Texans have seen all day – even if the ball took a LA-friendly roll after the deflection.
CJ Stroud and the Texans offense is now making some plays for the first time during this game, trying to seize some momentum off the big special teams play.
Score: Chargers 6, Texans 0
As was the case for most of the second half the regular season, the Houston Texans offense is disjointed.
After a promising rookie season, quarterback CJ Stroud has looked a little more human this campaign. The former Ohio State Buckeye has struggled mightily to open up the game – completing one pass for seven yards.
The team’s second offensive possession was capped off by a near-interception.
To make matters worse, the Texans were flagged for fair catch interference on their punt back to the Chargers.
Can Houston get running back Joe Mixon going as the game moves forward?
Score: Chargers 6, Texans 0
Just as the Chargers struck first, the offense gets it right back after Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie fumbled and was recovered by Los Angeles safety Derwin James.
Justin Herbert and the offense used the turnover to extend the lead, though their drive stalled and they had to settle for a field goal.
Score: Chargers 6, Texans 0
The Texans lack of wide receiver depth is showing itself immediately.
With Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell out for the season they need John Metchie to step up. An early fumble not the way to do it.
Score: Chargers 3, Texans 0
Credit the Houston defense for stopping Los Angeles from taking the opening drive to the house.
A combination of run and pass plays saw the Chargers moving the ball toward the end zone before hitting a Texan wall. Running back J.K. Dobbins was tackled for a loss on third-and-one and forced head coach Jim Harbaugh to send out the field goal unit.
Cameron Dicker converted the 34-yarder to get points on the board.
Score: Chargers 3, Texans 0
The game is under way in Texas!
Houston’s Ka’imi Fairbairn started the contest with the opening kick at NRG Stadium. The Chargers begin on offense, with Los Angeles’ Justin Herbert leading the Chargers’ first offensive possession.
Score: Chargers 0, Texans 0
Ahead of kickoff, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert wore a Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) hat while warming up for the game versus the Houston Texans.
On Friday, the NFL announced a combined $5 million donation to various organizations that are supporting the communities being impacted by the wildfires in the Los Angeles area. The Rams, Texans, Minnesota Vikings, and NFL Foundation were part of the pledge.
Herbert’s teammate Scott Matlock was interviewed pregame on CBS and said the team was trying to “do their part” in the face of “such a terrible thing.”
“We are definitely keeping all of the families affected in our thoughts today.”
Scott Matlock
The PA announcer asked for a brief moment of silence to honor those impacted before the playing of the National Anthem at NRG Stadium in Houston.
Saturday’s game is playing out against the backdrop of the devastating wildfires that are burning through the Los Angeles metro area.
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said earlier this week he has been inspired by the efforts of others in the face of the deadly wildfires in the area.
“My heart goes out and our prayers go out, abundant prayers, to all those that have been affected by this tragedy,” said Harbaugh, wearing a Los Angeles Fire Department cap, at a news conference Thursday.
Harbaugh said he’s been “inspired greatly by the first responders, the firefighters, and the residents that have pulled together and had each other’s back.”
“You see neighbors on top of houses helping fellow neighbors. It’s truly inspiring.”
Jim Harbaugh
The Chargers travel to Houston to face the Texans on Saturday in the opening playoff game of the NFL’s wild-card weekend.
It’s a weekend chock full of football action in one of the highlights of the season: Wild-card weekend.
Here are the games we’re watching this weekend and where to watch them as you follow along with CNN’s live coverage:
Saturday’s games:
- Los Angeles Chargers vs. Houston Texans – 4:30 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)
- Pittsburgh Steelers Baltimore Ravens – 8 p.m. ET (Prime Video)
Sunday’s games:
- Denver Broncos vs. Buffalo Bills – 1 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)
- Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles – 4:30 p.m. ET (Fox)
- Washington Commanders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 8 p.m. ET (NBC, Peacock)
The opening game of the 2024 playoffs will be held at NRG Stadium in Houston with the Texans hosting the Los Angeles Chargers.
Coming off a 2023 full of promise, the Texans have finished atop a meager AFC South division. Conversely, the Chargers have dramatically improved on last year’s performance in Jim Harbaugh’s first year as head coach.
The Chargers are led by star quarterback Justin Herbert, who has blossomed under Harbaugh’s stewardship and thrown for 3,870 pass yards, 23 touchdowns and just three interceptions.
In CJ Stroud, LA will be facing off against quarterback who struggled in his second NFL season but still managed to book a spot in the postseason.
The stars of the show on Saturday, though, could be the defenses with both excelling in 2024; Houston has 19 interceptions, the second most this year, while Los Angeles’ unit is laden with game-changing talent such as Derwin James, Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack.
Given the holes in both teams’ rosters – the Chargers aren’t loaded with pass catchers for Herbert while the Texans’ wide receiving core has been depleted by injuries – neither team is expected to challenge for the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
But the opening game of the playoffs could still have some intrigue as the teams seek to make the first step towards New Orleans and possibly upset a heavyweight or two along the way.
