NFL Week 8

The Chargers host the Houston Texans this week. After wildfires destroyed much of the area, the players hope their game against Houston will be a pleasant distraction for their fans.

San Diego comes into this game off a bye-week. The wildfires that ravaged the area, forced the Chargers to pack up their gear and head to Arizona to hold practices. In my opinion, it was a tough thing to ask the players to leave their family, friends and belongings behind so they could prepare for this week's game. The players sat in Arizona, trying to digest their game plan against the Texans, while wondering if their house was still standing. Clearly this team must be somewhat distracted by the fires and one has to wonder if they are mentally prepared to play. Yes, they will want to put on a show for their faithful fans, but football games are often won in the locker room as much as on the field of play.

A sports fan can usually name countless times a coach has accepted blame for his team's failure because of lack of preparation. In this case, who could blame the Chargers for not being prepared. It's hard enough to play well coming off a bye-week, as some of the sharpness is lost from the layoff. Add in that the Chargers will need to replace their starting center for this week's game and one begins to wonder if the San Diego's running game will be a strong.

The Houston Texans are an improved football team. They revamped their offense, adding Ahman Green to jump-start their running game. Andre Johnson, one of the better wide receivers in the game has been out since he was hurt in Week 2 ( he had 14 receptions in his first 2 weeks) has been practicing with the team all week and may be ready to get back in the lineup. Starting QB, Matt Schaub was hurt early in last week's game and has also been working out in practice. Schaub will dress, it remains to be seen if he'll get the start. The Texans last week spotted the Titans a big lead, only to see Houston storm back late to take a last minute lead. It was unfortunate that their exhausted defense couldn't protect and they lost the game on a last second field goal. It was eye-opening for Houston to come back like that, it'll give them some confidence that they can overcome a big deficit, because they may have to play catchup this week in San Diego.

For those that wager on the NFL, this game is interesting. San Diego has been made a 9.5 to 10 point favorite for this game. The bye-week and possible lack of preparation, along with using a backup at center could cause breakdowns. Houston will need to utilize their improved running game, to wear down the Chargers defenders and mix in the pass when needed. Andre Johnson would certainly be a welcome addition to the Texans lineup and would almost certainly add another dangerous option to the Houston offense. Everyone is aware of what San Diego will do offensively... hand-off to LD and repeat as necessary.

This game, I believe will be much closer than the linemakers will have you believe. Does Houston have a chance to win? No, I don't believe so, but I do believe they will cover this large point spread and it may end up being a very tight game. My prediction is that Houston will score late to earn a back-door cover with the final score 30- 24 in favor of the home team. San Diego wins, but take the points in this contest.