Houston Texans vs. Los Angeles Chargers Prediction, Player Prop Picks: Will Austin Ekeler Get on Track?

NFL Week 4: Los Angeles Chargers vs. Houston Texans Best Player Prop Picks

Texans vs. Chargers Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds

• Date: September 25, 2022
• Gametime: 1:00 pm ET
• Where to watch: CBS

Click here for Texans vs Chargers odds

The Los Angeles Chargers will head east this weekend to take on a Houston Texans team that is playing harder than many expected they would to start the season. With star quarterback Justin Herbert still playing with multiple fractured ribs, the Texans should feel confident in their ability to hang in this one. 

Let’s take a closer look at three prop bets I’m keyed in on for this matchup.

Houston Texans vs. Los Angeles Chargers Best Player Prop Picks

Austin Ekeler - Rushing Yards Under 55.5 (-115)

Ekeler's performance in the run game has suffered as a result of the Los Angeles Chargers offensive line is a mess. They have already used four different offensive line combinations for at least 25 snaps. According to PFF, through three games, Ekeler is averaging a league-worst 0.09 yards before contact per attempt.

Ekeler has gained yards after contact 96% of the time because of the continual contact in the backfield, and very little else. Ekeler might have a somewhat heavier workload in this game versus Houston with Herbert injured, but that doesn't mean he'll all of a sudden have room to run.

The eighth highest percentage in the league, Houston's run defense has been strong, contacting running backs on 49% of their carries at or below the line of scrimmage. For my money, this number sits way too high. 

Justin Herbert - Rushing Yards Over 1.5 (-125)

While Herbert clearly won’t be very mobile this week with his rib injuries, this line is just too small for me to pass up. With the depleted offensive line, Hebert will be forced out of the pocket on more than one occasion through each quarter and all it takes is a couple of yards and out-of-bounds for us to cash this one. 

The Texans will also be keyed in on Eckler as one of the unit’s only real weapons with Keenan Allen also out of this game with an injury in all likelihood. I also expect a more aggressive Herbert with star defensive end Joey Bosa out indefinitely with an injury of his own, as the offense now needs to be clicking every week if they want to win. 

Anytime Touchdown Scorer - Damon Pierce (+150)

Getting the lion’s share of snaps for the Texans to this point, running back Damon Pierce has 182 yards through three games. He also has just one touchdown, a number I expect to tick up throughout the season.

Now that the Texans entire organization has shown a commitment to Davis Mills, I expect the quarterback to be more comfortable in this offense each and every week, giving Pierce more chances, not just on the ground but through the air as well. Averaging 8.8 yards per reception, I like for Pierce to find pay dirt this week either on the ground or through the air.

Texans vs. Chargers Predictions

• Austin Ekeler - Rushing Yards Under 55.5 (-115) (Bet $115 to win $100)
• Justin Herbert - Rushing Yards Over 1.5 (-125) (Bet $125 to win $100)
• Anytime Touchdown Scorer - Damon Pierce (+150) (Bet $100 to win $150)

Looking for the best sportsbook offers? Check out the free bets page