Perhaps the only bigger shock in the AFC, besides the Houston Texans' early-season struggles, is the winless Los Angeles Chargers, who finished promisingly last fall.

Both teams need a win just to feel a bit of relief entering November.

The Texans look to stop the bleeding and pick up their third win of the season at SoFi Stadium against the Bolts in Week 9. Houston had its bye week and a chance to get right, but a loss this weekend would all but end conversations about the team's chances of making a second-half push towards the playoffs as at least a wild-card team.

The Texans’ Week 9 showdown between two former AFC Playoff contenders will air on CBS at 3:30 p.m. CT. The television commentators for the game are Spero Dedes (play-by-play), Adam Archuleta (analayst) and Aditi Kinkhabwala (sideline reporter).

Two weeks ago, the Texans' offense stalled for two quarters against the New York Giants. But with two minutes remaining, Houston marched down the field to cap off regulation with a 3-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud to Xavier Hutchinson. In overtime, the offense went three-and-out, which was followed up by a 30-yard game-winning touchdown run from former Texans running back Devin Singletary en route to securing a 27-21 victory.

The hits at wide receiver keep coming once more after the bye week. Second-year breakout star Jaylin Noel suffered a turf toe injury during the loss to the Giants and will miss the remainder of the regular season. The Texans could also be without starters Jalen Pitre and Reed Blankenship in the secondary, along with running back David Montgomery, who hasn't played in nearly a month.

The struggles continue for Justin Herbert in a year to forget. While only being sacked twice, the former top gunslinger threw for just 257 yards and threw a pair of interceptions. The Rams' offense could only muster 281 yards, but two touchdown runs from Blake Corum and Kyren Williams were the X-factor.

Houston can't afford another loss if it even has a sliver of hope for a playoff run. In the history of the NFL, only one team has ever gone from 0-4 to a playoff-bound roster, and that was in 1992. Surprisingly, that team to pull it off is Houston's opponent, though it occurred when the Bolts still called San Diego home.

How to watch Texans vs. Titans

Texans' regular-season schedule 2026

Below is Houston's regular-season schedule.