Chargers playoff primer: An early look at the Houston Texans

LAS VEGAS — The Chargers (11-6) clinched the fifth-seed in the AFC playoffs Sunday, matching up with the fourth-seeded Houston Texans next Saturday afternoon in Houston. The game kicks off at 1:30 p.m. (PST) at NRG Stadium and will air on KCBS (Ch. 2) locally and stream on Paramount+.

It’s the Chargers’ second playoff appearance in three seasons, the last ending with an epic second-half collapse during a 31-30 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Chargers built and lost a 27-point lead and led 27-7 by halftime before falling victim to the third-biggest comeback in NFL playoff history.

The Chargers have made the playoffs only three times since moving to Los Angeles from San Diego before the 2017 season. Their only postseason victory in L.A. came in the wild-card round in 2018.

Here’s what you need to know about the Chargers’ playoff opponent:

HOUSTON TEXANS

COACH: DeMeco Ryans, second season

FINISH: 10-7, 1st in the AFC SOUTH

SEASON RECAP: The Texans tuned up for the playoffs with a 23-14 victory Sunday over the Tennessee Titans, snapping a two-game losing streak and resting several starters after they were locked into fourth in the AFC. QB C.J. Stroud completed all six of his passes before he exited the game. The Texans will be trying for their second consecutive wild-card victory with Ryans as their coach.

LAST MEETING: The Chargers and Texans have never met in the playoffs. The Chargers defeated the Texans 34-24 in a regular-season game on Oct. 2, 2022 in Houston. QB Justin Herbert completed 27 of 39 passes for 340 yards and two touchdowns. The Chargers intercepted Texans QB Davis Mills twice.

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OFFENSE: Stroud ended his second regular season in the NFL with 3,727 yards passing with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He replaced Mills as the starter last season. RB Joe Mixon, a Pro Bowl selection, topped 1,000 yards for the fifth time in his career, and his first with the Texans.

DEFENSE: CB Derek Stingley Jr. was picked for the Pro Bowl after he had five interceptions during the regular season. The Texans gave up 372 points during the regular season, the same number of points their offense scored.

HEALTH FACTOR: WR John Metchie was evaluated for a concussion after he was hurt in the third quarter Sunday. LB Jake Hansen injured his ankle.

COACH’S QUOTE:  “Really good, really good. I have started to look. Defensively really good against the run. They’re playing really well on the back end. C.J. Stroud is elite. They’ve got great playmakers. Great competitors. It’s going to take our ‘A’ game. We’ll turn all our attention to the Texans. I know we’re going to have to play good.” – Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh on his early assessment of the Texans.

PLAYERS’ QUOTE: “For all the adversity we’ve gone through and everything we’ve learned along the way, we’re a better team because of it. We’re going to keep getting better and do our best. I think it’s always an exciting opportunity to go play in the playoffs. That’s all you want. You just want a ticket to the dance.” – Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert on getting back to the playoffs.

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EARLY LINE: Chargers by 3.

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