This week’s matchup is between two teams that started the 2026 season on the same note, but have since drifted apart a bit.
The Texans started the season 0-4, but found a way to rattle off back-to-back wins before stopping their play before the bye. At 2-5, the season’s outlook can still come with hope. At 0-7, there was really nothing to cling to.
However, a two-win team is a legitimate chance for the Chargers to get their first win of the season. Depending on the version of the defense in Houston shows, that is. Coming off their bye, the Texans were allowing 244 passing yards per game, good for 28th in the league. I’m not saying that’s enough reason to believe that Justin Herbert could have a decent day throwing the football, but it’s something!
The Chargers offensive line will still have to contend with Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter. The former is one of the best in the league and his 7.5 sacks this year are tied for the highest mark in the NFL with the Steelers’ TJ Watt.
Expectations are low. They should be, but if you don’t get some hope up for something or other, then what’s the point of tuning in!
That said, let’s see how the two teams match up on paper!
Total yards per game: 288.3 (28th)
Points per game: 14.1 (32nd)
Passing yards per game: 177.1 (26th)
Rushing yards per game: 111.1 (18th)
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Passing: QB Justin Herbert – 1,398 passing yards, 5 touchdowns
Rushing yards: RB Omarion Hampton – 309
Rushing touchdowns: RB Omarion Hampon – 3
Receiving yards: WR Ladd McConkey – 286
Receptions: WR Tre’ Harris – 18
Receiving touchdowns: 5 players tied @ 1
Total yards allowed per game: 323.0 (13th)
Points allowed per game: 25.0 (20th)
Passing yards allowed per game: 198.4 (7th)
Rushing yards allowed per game: 124.6 (23rd)
Tackles: LB Daiyan Henley – 41
Tackles for loss: EDGE Khalil Mack – 5
Sacks: EDGE Khalil Mack, EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu – 3rd
Passes Defended: CB Cam Hart – 6
Interceptions: S Genesis Smith, CB Cam Hart – 2
Forced fumble: LB Troy Dye, EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu – 2 FF
Fumble recoveries: LB Daiyan Henley – 2
Total yards per game: 338.1 (15th)
Points per game: 23.9 (12th)
Passing yards per game: 253.4 (7th)
Rushing yards per game: 84.7 (29th)
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Passing: QB Sam Darnold – 1,867 passing yards, 11 touchdowns
Rushing yards: RB Woody Marks – 271
Rushing touchdowns: RB David Montgomery, RB Woody Marks – 2
Receiving yards: WR Jaylin Noel – 331
Receptions: TE Dalton Schultz – 33
Receiving touchdowns: TE Foster Moreau, WR Nico Collins – 3
Total yards allowed per game: 342.0 (19th)
Points allowed per game: 24.3 (18th)
Passing yards allowed per game: 244.0 (28th)
Rushing yards allowed per game: 98.0 (11th)
Tackles: LV Azeez Al-Shaair – 58
Tackles for loss: EDGE Will Anderson – 10
Sacks: EDGE Will Anderson – 7.5
Passes defended: CB Kamari Lassiter, S Jalen Pitre – 5
Interceptions: 3 players tied @ 1
Forced fumble: 4 players tied @ 1
Fumble recoveries: 4 players tied @ 1