The Houston Texans hosted the Los Angeles Chargers in the first game of the wild-card round.
Houston defeated LA 32-12 as the defense for the Texans took over the game. Justin Herbert threw three interceptions all regular season. He threw four in the wild-card game. Houston took one of those picks to the house for a pick-six that changed the entire game. The defense also sacked Herbert four times in the contest. Herbert went 14/32 for 242 passing yards, 1 passing
TD, and four interceptions. Houston had 168 total rushing yards compared to the Chargers recording 50 total rushing yards.
C.J. Stroud went 22/33 for 282 passing yards, one passing TD, one interception, and added 42 rushing yards. Joe Mixon had 106 rushing yards, one rushing TD, and he lost a fumble. Nico Collins had seven catches, 122 receiving yards, and one receiving TD.
Below, we discuss whether the Texans can go further in the playoffs or if they will lose in the divisional round and what the Chargers need to go further in the playoffs next year.
How Far Can The Houston Texans Go?
The Houston Texans showed up big on defense in the wild-card round. They have an excellent pass-rush attack to go along with a good QB, stud WR, and a good head coach. This is a good recipe for the playoffs.
Unfortunately, next round, they will either face the Baltimore Ravens or the Kansas City Chiefs. Baltimore stomped the Texans in week 17 and the Chiefs defeated the Texans 27-19 in week 16. Houston will be on the road against either team.
Both are poor matchups for the Texans and they are overmatched. Despite an impressive victory in the wild-card round, the Texans are just simply not good enough to go into Kansas City or Baltimore and win in the playoffs. This may be weird but the Chiefs are a better matchup for Houston than Baltimore is. Houston does not match up well against the Ravens.
What Do The Chargers Need To Go Further In The Playoffs Next Year?
The Los Angeles Chargers had a good season, winning 11 games. They had a tremendous defense that played well in the wild-card round but Herbert struggled mightily.
The Chargers have a good roster but they need to add a WR that can start and play on the outside. Ladd McConkey recorded 9 catches, 197 receiving yards, and a receiving TD in the wild-card game. He had a very good rookie campaign and will improve. However, he is best suited to be a slot WR. The Chargers need a playmaking WR that can line up on the outside. Herbert does not have a reliable weapon outside of McConkey.
The running game was also suspect this season. J.K. Dobbins performed well when healthy but he is not reliable to stay on the field. Dobbins is injury prone and when he would be out, the Chargers could not run the ball.
Adding a running back and an outside WR is a must for the Chargers to help Herbert.
