2022 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 4

Los Angeles Chargers (1-2) at Houston Texans (0-2-1)

Sunday, October 2, 1PM ET

The Houston Texans will get a win at some point this season, but spoiler alert on this one — I think this is a very clear “get right” game for the Los Angeles Chargers. Head coach Brandon Staley should be on the hot seat for keeping his injured superstar QB on the field during a 28-point blowout this past weekend, but the Chargers have a chance to get back on track against a struggling Texans team this Sunday.

The biggest question marks here for the Chargers are injuries at this point. The Texans could very well come in and surprise Herbert and the Chargers — even though they’re the home team in this one — due to the fact that Herbert is going to be without his starting left tackle Rashawn Slater due to a biceps injury. The injury to Slater cannot be overstated in its importance to the Chargers this season, especially because Herbert is already injured.

The fact that Herbert — with damaged rib cartilage — will now be without Slater and an already weak right tackle position should give the Chargers a lot of fear going forward this season. With that being said, Herbert is a tough dude, and I think he’ll take matters into his own hands in this game to will the Chargers to victory, so to speak.

Make no mistake, though — it’s going to be tough. The Texans couldn’t get out of their own way against the Chicago Bears, and Roquan Smith made sure of that, but they have been competitive in their three games this year and a win is coming at some point. Could it be this game? The Chargers are banged up enough that you could see the upset happening here, but I’m sticking with Justin Herbert in a close one.

Prediction: Chargers win 23-20