Know Your Foe: Texans vs. Chargers Week 9 Preview

Texans analyst John Harris previews the Houston Texans' Week 9 matchup against the winless Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Despite high preseason expectations under head coach Jim Harbaugh and new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, the Chargers have opened the 2026 season with an 0-7 record. Quarterback Justin Herbert has thrown five touchdowns to ten interceptions while the offense has endured 27 consecutive drives without scoring a touchdown.

Harris argues that Houston must capitalize on Los Angeles's inexperienced offensive line and contain running back Omarion Hampton. Defensively, the Chargers will be missing safety Derwin James Jr., who was placed on injured reserve, though the Texans must still contend with edge rushers Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu alongside defensive tackle Teair Tart.