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Where to watch Texans vs. Chargers wild card game: TV channel, time, live stream

Jacob Camenker   Paste BN
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The NFL playoffs are beginning on Saturday, and in a tale as old as time, the postseason will open with the Houston Texans hosting a wild-card game.

This year, the Texans are taking on the Los Angeles Chargers, who are seeking to start the Jim Harbaugh era with the team's first playoff win since 2019.

The Chargers have seen their defense step up under first-year coordinator Jesse Minter and become rock-solid. At the same time, Greg Roman's run-heavy offensive approach has unlocked a new, more efficient version of quarterback Justin Herbert.

As for the Texans, they have had an up-and-down season after C.J. Stroud's prolific rookie campaign, but they still have the firepower needed to be a threat in the postseason.

Which team will emerge from this Saturday's NFL clash? Here's what to know about the matchup and how to watch it as a part of the league's Super Wild Card Weekend.

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Where to watch Texans vs. Chargers game today

  • Location: Houston, Texas
  • Venue: NRG Stadium
  • Date: Saturday, Jan. 11
  • Time: 4:30 p.m. ET 
  • Game: Texans vs. Chargers

The Texans and Chargers are set to square off at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday in the first game of the NFL's Super Wild Card Weekend.

What channel is Texans vs. Chargers?

  • TV channel: CBS

CBS will broadcast the first NFL playoff game of 2025. The network's No. 2 crew will be on the call for the game, with Ian Eagle on play-by-play, Charles Davis providing color commentary and Evan Washburn serving as the sideline reporter.

CBS' No. 1 crew of Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson and Jay Feely will be calling the Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos game on Sunday.

Texans vs. Chargers live stream free

  • Live stream: Paramount+, Fubo

NFL fans can catch the Texans vs. Chargers game with a subscription to Paramount+, which is CBS' streaming service. Cord-cutters can also catch the action with a subscription to Fubo, which is offering a free trial.

Stream NFL games with a Fubo subscription

Texans vs. Chargers predictions

  • Chargers 27, Texans 17

The Texans may have home-field advantage for this contest, but their matchup against the Chargers will be difficult.

The Chargers are entering the 2025 NFL playoffs on a hot streak. Los Angeles scored at least 34 points in three consecutive games, and while two of those have come against bottom-barrel teams like the New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders, one came against the Broncos' third-ranked scoring defense.

Justin Herbert continues to be one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the NFL. He had a league-low interception percentage (0.6%) and only threw three all year. At the same time, he has opened up the passing game with young wide-outs Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston.

That doesn't bode well for the Texans. They have had trouble against receivers in 2024 – allowing 21 touchdowns to the position, good for the second-most in the league – but often made up for it by making splash plays. Their 19 interceptions of quarterbacks also ranked second-most in the NFL, so Herbert may be able to negate that strength.

The Chargers seem likely to put up a solid point total. The same can't be guaranteed of the Texans, who are averaging just 13.75 points per game over their last four contests. They are missing Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell and will need another option to step up across from Nico Collins against a Chargers defense that ranks seventh-best in defensive EPA this season.

Additionally, Houston has just a 1-5 record against teams with winning records this season. Comparatively, Los Angeles has a 3-5 record in those matchups, including two divisional wins over a tough Broncos defense. That should further the advantage of Jim Harbaugh's squad and give them a chance to win their first playoff game since 2019.

Texans vs. Chargers odds

The Chargers are favored to beat the Texans, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Not interested in this game? Check out expert picks and best bets for every NFL game this week. 

  • Spread: Chargers (-3) 
  • Moneyline: Chargers (-160); Texans (+135)
  • Over/under: 42.5

Our guide to NFL betting odds, picks and spreads has you covered.

New to sports betting? Paste BN readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with the best online sportsbooks and sports betting sites.

Texans vs. Chargers stats, history

The Chargers and Texans have played nine times since Houston's first season in 2002. Los Angeles has held an advantage in the series, posting a 6-3 record.

That said, the series has been more even over the last decade, with the teams splitting their four matchups evenly.

The Texans and Chargers last faced off in 2022 when Los Angeles mounted a 34-24 victory in Houston. Herbert threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns in that contest while then-Texans starter Davis Mills had 246 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Both teams have undergone considerable change since that matchup. The Chargers were led by Brandon Staley at the time while Mike Williams, Austin Ekeler and Gerald Everett were their top offensive playmakers. Meanwhile, Lovie Smith was in his lone year in charge of the Texans and saw Brandin Cooks complementing Collins as Houston's top receivers.

Texans vs. Chargers play-by-play

You can follow the Texans vs. Chargers play-by-play here.

NFL playoffs schedule

The NFL playoffs kick off on Jan. 11 with the league's Super Wild Card Weekend before concluding on Feb. 9 with Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans.

Super Wild Card weekend

All times Eastern

Saturday, Jan. 11

Sunday, Jan. 12

Monday, Jan. 13

Divisional round

Saturday, Jan. 18

  • AFC/NFC divisional game: 4:30 p.m.
  • AFC/NFC division game: 8:15 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 19

  • AFC/NFC divisional game: 3 p.m.
  • AFC/NFC divisional game: 6:30 p.m.

NFL conference championship round

Sunday, Jan. 26

  • NFC championship game: 3 p.m.
  • AFC championship game: 6:30 p.m.

Super Bowl 59

  • Date: Feb. 9, 2025
  • Location: Caesars Superdome (New Orleans)
  • Time: 6:30 p.m.
  • TV: FOX

NFL games today on TV

Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

  • Location: Baltimore, Maryland
  • Venue: M&T Bank Stadium
  • Time: 8 p.m. ET
  • Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

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