The Houston Texans won’t play on Christmas, but they won’t have to wait until Sunday for a battle in Week 17.
Best of all? It’s another nationally televised game.
The NFL announced its Week 17 schedule on Wednesday evening, unveiling that the Texans’ road game against the Los Angeles Chargers would kick off at 3:30 p.m. from SoFi Stadium on Dec. 27. The game will be televised on NFL Network nationally, but is also expected to air locally in Houston on either CBS or FOX.
More than bragging rights could be on the line for Houston and Los Angeles as both AFC franchises are contending for a wild-card spot. With the Texans sitting at 8-5 and the Chargers at 9-4, the winner could gain a higher seed and an easier path toward the Super Bowl with a victory.
The Texans still have games against the Arizona Cardinals and the Las Vegas Raiders at NRG Stadium before the trip out west. They’ll close out the regular season at home against the Indianapolis Colts.
This is the second time Houston has been flexed on Christmas weekend in as many years off of Sunday’s action. Last year, the Texans were part of a Netflix doubleheader against the Baltimore Ravens. Houston lost 31-2 and most fans remember the game for the Beyonce concert instead.
Kickoff this Sunday is scheduled for Noon CT.