Battle Red Blog
If you want to be the best…
Last weekend, Houston Texans offensive coordinator Nick Caley seemed to do everything he could to let the Las Vegas Raiders beat the Texans in what should have been an H-Town blowout. Now, we all know the margin between good team and bad one in the NFL is pretty thin. But, there’s no way a competent offensive coordinator would struggle as much as Caley does. Especially with C.J. Stroud, Nico Collins, Dalton Schultz, Nick Chubb and all the other weapons at his disposal.
Thankfully, Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke saved the day, again. Burke has this defense playing so well, his name is already in the mix for head coaching vacancies next year. At least the bright side of Caley’s 2025 performance is there’s very little to no chance any other team is going to try and steal him this off-season.
The entire masthead had a vent session on Caley already this week, so we’ll move along.
The Los Angeles Chargers are a far, far better team this season than their division rival Raiders. In fact, the Chargers have been a far better team than the Raiders for decades. Now, the Chargers have already clinched a playoff spot and the Denver Broncos have taken the AFC West crown. So, one might think the Chargers “have nothing to play for” and should rest starters.
However, that doesn’t seem likely.
And, like the Raiders, the Chargers have a stout defense. In fact, it’s Top 5 based on these stats:
Houston Texans defense: #1
Los Angeles Chargers defense: #5
The Chargers offense is currently putting up 345.5 yards per game and 23.3 points per game.
The Texans offense is landing 323.9 yards per game and 23.1 points per game.
Los Angeles’s defense is surrendering 283.1 yards per game and 20.1 point per game.
Houston’s defense is giving up 272.3 yards per game and 16.6 points per game.
LA has a +3 turnover differential, while H-Town has a +15.
Based on those stats, you have to give the edge to Houston in what will likely be a low-scoring, ugly, violent game.
