play

Lions’ playoff hopes fade after gut-wrenching loss vs. Steelers

USA TODAY Sports’ Prince Grimes ‘overreacts’ to some of the best games from Sunday’s Week 16 slate.

The Houston Texans and Los Angeles Chargers play on Saturday, Dec. 27, at the Chargers’ SoFi Stadium in a game on the NFL Week 17 schedule.

Which team will win the NFL Week 17 game?

Check out these NFL Week 17 picks and NFL Week 17 predictions for the game, which can be seen at 2:30 p.m. MST on NFL Network (stream with FUBO).

The Chargers are a 2-point favorite over the Texans in NFL Week 17 odds for the game, courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook.

Los Angeles is -130 on the moneyline, while Houston is +110. The over/under (point total) is set at 39.5 points.

NFL Week 17 picks: Cowboys at Commanders | Lions at Vikings | Broncos at Chiefs | Texans at Chargers | Ravens at Packers | Seahawks at Panthers | Cardinals at Bengals | Steelers at Browns | Jaguars at Colts | Buccaneers at Dolphins | Patriots at Jets | Saints at Titans | Giants at Raiders | Eagles at Bills | Bears at 49ers | Rams at Falcons | The Republic’s score predictions

Watch Texans at Chargers live on FUBO (free trial)

Jeremy Cluff writes: “Justin Herbert and the Chargers are 5-2 at home and have won four in a row, but the Texans’ defense can wreak some havoc, especially against the Los Angeles offensive line. Houston will win its eighth straight game.”

Bookies.com: Bet the Texans with the points vs Chargers

Bill Speros writes: “Neither Saturday game airs on conventional TV. The opener shows exclusively on NFL Network. The Texans and Chargers are both one game back in their respective divisions. While each team has all but clinched a playoff berth, this game has must-win stamped on it if either hopes to win their division. The Texans enter this game on a heater, having won 7 straight. And they’ve covered in 4 of 5 against teams with a winning record. Two of the NFL’s toughest defenses take center stage. Houston’s best-in-the-NFL defensive unit (16.6 PP & 272.3 YPG) can keep Justin Herbert in check. But can the Texans generate enough offense to snag a road win here? Yes. But barely.”

The site’s formula predicts that the ?? will win the NFL Week 17 game against the ??.

ESPN: Chargers have a 52.4% chance to beat Texans on Saturday

The site gives the Texans a 47.2% shot at winning the NFL Week 17 game, with the remaining percentage accounting for a tie.

Dimers: Texans 21, Chargers 18

It writes: “After extensive simulations, our model gives the Texans a win probability of 60%, while the Chargers have a win probability of 40%.”

Sportsnaut: Houston Texans 17, Los Angeles Chargers 13

Matt Johnson writes: “In a rematch of the AFC Wild Card Round matchup from January, in which Justin Herbert was picked off four times, this should be one of the most intriguing games in Week 17. The Houston Texans have the best pass rush in the NFL and are facing an injury-decimated Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive line that allowed 28 sacks (4.7 per game) from Weeks 9–15. Now, Houston is coming off a narrow victory over Las Vegas, and Jesse Minter’s defense will find its own ways to pressure C.J. Stroud. However, Houston’s massive advantage in the trenches against the Chargers’ offensive line feels like the X-factor that will determine this game.”

NFL’s highest paid players in 2025: Quarterbacks | Running backs | Wide receivers | Tight ends | Offensive linemen | D-linemen | Cornerbacks | Safeties | Linebackers | Edge rushers | Highest paid NFL players: Overall | By position | By team

Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.

Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today. Sign up for azcentral Preps Now. And be sure to subscribe to our daily sports newsletters so you don’t miss a thing.