Chargers end their TD drought, but offensive struggles continue in blowout loss to Texans

The Houston Texans enter Week 9 with an unfavorable record of 2-5, desperately in need of a win to stay in contention for a postseason spot. Currently, the team is winless at home after blowing three fourth-quarter leads in recent games. They are set to face the winless Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.

The Chargers, who could potentially secure the No. 1 overall pick, suffered a 17-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in a recent matchup where their offense could only amass 281 total yards. However, Blake Corum and Kyren Williams' touchdown runs provided a spark for the team.

For the Texans, the absence of key players will be felt during this crucial matchup. Second-year breakout star Jaylin Noel will miss the game due to a turf toe injury sustained during the Week 7 loss to the New York Giants, ending his season. Additionally, Reed Blankenship, their starting safety, and David Montgomery, their starting running back, who has been sidelined for nearly a month, will also be inactive.

On the positive side, the Texans can look forward to the return of nickel defender Jalen Pitre, who has not played since Week 6, and Tank Dell, who is expected to have a more prominent role in the offense. As for the Chargers, the team shows signs of resilience with Justin Herbert, despite his struggles throughout the season, having only tossed for 257 yards and two interceptions in a recent game.