Week 9 picks: Who the experts are taking in Texans vs. L.A. Chargers

Jeremy Bergman: Texans
Brooke Cersosimo: Texans
Dan Parr: Texans
Gennaro Filice: Texans
Bobby Kownack: Texans

November 7, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

If the Houston Texans lose on Sunday, they might as well throw in the towel for 2026.

Currently sitting at 2-5, the Texans must get back to their winning ways if they plan on making a postseason push. Right now, no one should be talking about the playoffs, especially since Houston has blown three fourth-quarter leads and remains winless at home.

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The Texans will travel to Los Angeles for a date with the winless Chargers in Week 9. The Bolts, who could be gunning for the No. 1 overall pick, fell short on Sunday in a battle of L.A. showdown against the Rams, where the offense mustered up nine points.

The struggles continue for Justin Herbert in a year to forget. While only being sacked twice, the former top gunslinger threw for just 257 yards and threw a pair of interceptions. The Rams' offense could only muster 281 yards, but two touchdown runs from Blake Corum and Kyren Williams was the x-factor.

As for Houston, it's coming off the bye week, though the roster could be in question at wide receiver once more. Second-year breakout star Jaylin Noel suffered a turf toe injury during the loss to the New York Giants in Week 7 and will miss the remainder of the regular season.

The Texans will also be without starting safety Reed Blankenship in the secondary, along with running back David Montgomery, who hasn't played in nearly a month. The good news? Nickel defender Jalen Pitre is expected back and Tank Dell is expected to have an expanded role on offense.

How do the experts feel about Sunday's showdown between a pair of teams desperate to pick up a win for different reasons? Here are their thoughts entering the battle in SoFi Stadium.