The Los Angeles Chargers finished the season 11-6 after defeating the Las Vegas Raiders 34-20 at Allegiant Stadium. With the win, the Chargers clinched the No. 5 seed in the AFC and will be facing the No. 4 seed Houston Texans in the wild-card round on Jan. 11 in Houston at NRG Stadium.
After their win over the Raiders, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh mentioned that he’s already been studying the Texans.
“I’ve started to look. Defensively, really good,” Harbaugh said at his news conference. “Really good against the run, not a lot of people running the ball on them. They’re playing really well on the back end.”
The Texans defense ranks No. 11 in rushing yards allowed (1,938) and No. 7 in passing yards allowed (3,753). While Houston’s defense has been admirable this season, Harbaugh also pointed out some of the formidable playmakers on Houston’s offense.
“(Quarterback) C.J. Stroud is really elite. (Wide receiver) Nico Collins is elite. They’ve got great playmakers, great competitors,” Harbaugh said. “It’s gonna take our A game. We’ll turn all our preparation and focus towards the Texans. I know we’re gonna have to play good, that I can tell ya.”
In Harbaugh’s locker room speech, he called the playoffs the “start of a new season,” one he believes his team is prepared for.
“I think we’re in a good place, and the fellas are ready to roll,” Harbaugh said.
The last time Harbaugh coached at NRG Stadium was last January as head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, where he won the national championship over the Washington Huskies. Will more good memories ensue for Harbaugh in Space City? Betting odds seem to think so, albeit narrowly. Per DraftKings Sportsbook, the Chargers are currently three-point favorites over the Texans.
