Some of the stars are missing, but the Chargers still hold a massive talent edge on the Texans. It's a circle-the-wagons game for the Chargers, too, after their 38-10 home loss to Jacksonville last Sunday.

No Joey Bosa, Keenan Allen and Rashawn Slater. But Justin Herbert showed his guts throwing for nearly 300 yards last week despite a painful rib injury. The gutty Herbert can be counted on - and that's what matters here. He's thrown for at least 300 passing yards during his last six road contests. It's a plus if Pro Bowl center Corey Linsley can return.

Joshua Palmer is one of the better No.3 wideouts in the league. So the loss of Allen isn't that severe. Khalil Mack is back to being a pass rushing terror so the Chargers still can bother Davis Mills without Bosa.

The bar is not set high at all here for the Chargers. The Texans are spunky, but devoid of talent. They are winless and probably the worst team in the NFL. Houston has gained the fourth-fewest yards while allowing the third-most yards. They have the worst run defense in the league by a wide margin surrendering 202.3 yards on the ground.

So this game set up well for Austin Ekeler, who is overdue to have a big rushing game to go with his strengths as a pass-catching running back.

(Editor's note: Stephen Nover is having a banner NFL season going 14-7-1 on his plays looking to beat the NFL for the 27th time in the last 30 years. Stephen has five premium plays today in addition to this free selection headed by his AFC Game of the Month and Sunday Night Blockbuster. Stephen also is having a huge college football season going 22-10 on his premium/free plays.)