The Chargers are set for their regular-season home finale against the Houston Texans. Kickoff is at 1:25 p.m. (PT) from SoFi Stadium.
The Chargers-Texans betting line shows the Bolts are slight favorites on Saturday.
Here are five final thoughts ahead of Week 17.
1. An AFC showdown
A pair of the AFC's hottest teams are ready for a Week 17 showdown.
The Chargers have clinched a playoff spot entering the penultimate week of the regular season, and have won seven of their past eight games to get to 11-4.
The Texans, meanwhile, have rolled off seven straight wins to get to 10-5 on the year.
And both teams have plenty to play for in Week 17.
While the Chargers can't clinch anything Saturday, a win keeps them alive for both the AFC West and the No. 1 seed in the conference.
"We're playing for everything … the [AFC] West, the No. 1 seed … it's all attainable and within our own power," Troy Dye said.
"As long as we do what we've been doing, stacking one week after another and worrying about this week in itself, we'll be in a good place come Saturday night," Dye added.
The Bolts will capture the division with wins against the Texans and Broncos to close out the regular season.
But Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh knows his team needs to secure one win before they can get two.
"It means that this game Saturday against the Texans is the most important game of the year," Harbaugh said. "Getting guys fresh, getting guys ready, getting guys prepared is top of mind."
"It's pretty simple to look at and not hard math to figure," Harbaugh added. "So, this week, this game, the most important one of the season."
Simply put, the Chargers will simply be focused on the task at hand against a Texans team that can clinch their own playoff spot with a win.
"It's been mentioned, but I don't think it's something guys are focused on," Justin Herbert said of the Chargers AFC West chances. "I think it's really a week-by-week thing. We understand that we've got a very good opponent coming to town this week and we got to handle our business this week.
"If there's any hopes of doing that, it starts this week," Herbert added. "Over the past couple of weeks, that's been the mindset of we're going to attack this week, we're going to do everything we can to focus on this game and we'll see what happens after."
Chargers Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter added: "The No. 1 thing this time of year is not to worry about what the game means, this that, what it could do if this happens, if this happens. It's a one-game season and every opportunity is like you're trying to peak every time you take the field this time of year."
Saturday's matchup between the Chargers and Texans is one of just three across the league in Week 17 featuring teams with double-digit wins.
It's a battle of AFC title hopefuls and could be a potential playoff rematch. But the Bolts know that the possibility of a massive Week 18 game won't be possible unless they walk away with a win at home.
"You have to focus on the Texans. It's a one-game season, one-week season," Khalil Mack said. "Just focusing on them and trying to get the win by any means."
2. A stout Texans defense
The Chargers heaped praise on the Texans defense this week more than they have for any unit all season.
"They've been No. 1 in the league wire-to-wire this year," Chargers Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman said. "And when you turn on the tape, it's easy to see why."
Herbert also chimed in.
"They've done such a great job of especially pressuring the passer, causing a lot of sacks and causing turnovers," Herbert said. "That's what they do best and I think that's what's going to be very important in this game, ball security.
"Understanding that we have to do those three things, ball security, score points and converting on third down. They're a very talented defense and they're very well coached as well," Herbert added.
Houston's numbers are staggeringly good entering Week 17.
The Texans lead the NFL in points per game allowed (16.6) and yards per game (272.3). Houston also allows a league-best 5.61 yards per passing play and only gives up about 16 first downs per game, which is also No. 1 in the NFL.
On an advanced level, the Texans are first in defensive EPA per play (-0.137) and first in defensive success rate allowed at 38.5 percent.
They are third in third-down defense (34.55 percent) but have been susceptible in the red zone, where Houston ranks 23rd at 60 percent.
"Great scheme and great players. There's a pride in their work, there's a mentality," Harbaugh said. "It just jumps off the tape. Playing very together, running to the ball, sure tacklers. Very challenging."
Houston is also tied for third in interceptions (17) and tied for sixth in sacks with 41.
"They basically have wide receivers back there playing DB," Roman said. "They're looking to intercept the ball. They're not looking to bat it down, they're looking to catch it."
The Chargers offense is coming off perhaps their best game of the season as they put up a season-high 452 yards of offense to go along with 34 points.
The Bolts led the league in offensive EPA per play in Week 16 at 0.353 and were second in success rate at 54.7 percent.
But the Texans — led by edge rushers Will Anderson, Jr. and Danielle Hunter — are a different animal.
Anderson leads the NFL in quarterback pressures with 87, while Hunter is fifth with 75. They have also combined for a total of 24.5 sacks, 42 quarterback hits and 30 tackles for loss.
"They do everything well. And I'm not stretching it," Roman said. "They're a complete defense."
Check out the best photos from practice on Tuesday at The Bolt in El Segundo!
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
3. A new-look Houston offense
The Texans return a lot of the same offensive personnel from a year ago, a group that is undoubtedly led by C.J. Stroud.
Houston's quarterback missed three games earlier this season with a concussion but has been red-hot since his return by leading the Texans to five straight wins.
"I think in the last five games particularly — C.J. missed a little bit of time in the middle of the year — this is a team that started off not the way they wanted to and have played as well as anybody," Minter said. "I think they were 0-3 and now they're 10-5. They're on 10-2 kind of hot streak, similar to us, over the last eight or nine games.
"It's a great challenge," Minter added about Stroud, who has thrown for 2,628 yards with 16 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Mack said Stroud is one of the top young quarterbacks in the league.
"Impressive. Doing whatever he can to win ball games," Mack said. "Still got the arm, the running ability is there. It's going to be another challenge this week just like it was last week and the week before."
But while Stroud is still leading the offense, Houston's playcaller is now Nick Caley, who was the Rams tight ends coach & pass game coordinator in 2024.
Minter said Houston has leaned into some bigger bodies of late with an extra offensive lineman of late but the Chargers know Stroud is the one who runs the show.
"He's great," said Harbaugh, who recruited Stroud in college. "I've always thought that since I watched him in the playoffs his senior year [of high school] in person.
"I thought, 'This guy is going places, this guy has got it.' He's just always been that guy. Huge talent but also what a great guy … very similar to Derwin James," Harbaugh added. "A great player and one of the top players in the National Football League."
4. Dye ready to start (again)
Dye finds himself in a familiar spot.
The Bolts linebacker started in Weeks 2 through 6 when Denzel Perryman was out with an injury.
With Perryman suspended for the final two games of the season, Dye is in line to start next to Daiyan Henley until the playoffs begin.
"I prepare like I'm going to be playing every snap. That's kind of what you have to do survive in this league," Dye said. "Anything can happen during the game so you ultimately have to be prepared to play at a high level if your number gets called.
"Super unfortunate what they're doing to Denzel … but I'm going to go out there and prepare and try to fill the role the right way," Dye added.
Dye has tallied 55 total tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a sack over 14 games this season and has played 397 snaps, the second-most at the position group.
"We've won a lot of games the last couple of years and key sequences in the season where Troy has been out MIKE linebacker," Minter said. "There was a stretch there last year where he did it, played really well, won some key games. He played probably the first five games of the year, DP went out pretty quickly in the Chiefs game in the first game of the year and Troy played really well then," Minter added.
Take a look at the Chargers 2026 Pro Bowl selections, highlighting the players who made an impact on the field this season. From standout moments to consistent excellence, players like QB Justin Herbert and S Derwin James, Jr. lead the way, representing the best of the Chargers.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OT Joe Alt (#76) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers K Cameron Dicker (#11) in action during their Pro Bowl season
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers K Cameron Dicker (#11) in action during their Pro Bowl season
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers K Cameron Dicker (#11) in action during their Pro Bowl season
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) and QB Justin Herbert (10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OT Joe Alt (#76) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers K Cameron Dicker (#11) in action during their Pro Bowl season
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OT Joe Alt (#76) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OT Joe Alt (#76) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OT Joe Alt (#76) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers K Cameron Dicker (#11) in action during their Pro Bowl season
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OT Joe Alt (#76) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OT Joe Alt (#76) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OT Joe Alt (#76) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OT Joe Alt (#76) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers K Cameron Dicker (#11) in action during their Pro Bowl season
Chargers K Cameron Dicker (#11) in action during their Pro Bowl season
Chargers K Cameron Dicker (#11) in action during their Pro Bowl season
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers K Cameron Dicker (#11) in action during their Pro Bowl season
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers K Cameron Dicker (#11) in action during their Pro Bowl season
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers K Cameron Dicker (#11) in action during their Pro Bowl season
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
![The Los Angeles Chargers play the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, October 12, 2025 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL.
[FINAL SCORE: LAC 29 - MIA 27]](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album_2x/t_lazy/f_auto/chargers/es04ioacdakrsmbiyihx.jpg)
The Los Angeles Chargers play the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, October 12, 2025 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL. [FINAL SCORE: LAC 29 - MIA 27]
Chargers K Cameron Dicker (#11) in action during their Pro Bowl season
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers K Cameron Dicker (#11) in action during their Pro Bowl season
Chargers K Cameron Dicker (#11) in action during their Pro Bowl season
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OT Joe Alt (#76) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers K Cameron Dicker (#11) in action during their Pro Bowl season
Chargers OT Joe Alt (#76) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers K Cameron Dicker (#11) in action during their Pro Bowl season
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OT Joe Alt (#76) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OT Joe Alt (#76) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers K Cameron Dicker (#11) in action during their Pro Bowl season
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OT Joe Alt (#76) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers K Cameron Dicker (#11) in action during their Pro Bowl season
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers K Cameron Dicker (#11) in action during their Pro Bowl season
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers K Cameron Dicker (#11) in action during their Pro Bowl season
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers K Cameron Dicker (#11) in action during their Pro Bowl season
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers K Cameron Dicker (#11) in action during their Pro Bowl season
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) and OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers K Cameron Dicker (#11) in action during their Pro Bowl season
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers K Cameron Dicker (#11) in action during their Pro Bowl season
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers K Cameron Dicker (#11) in action during their Pro Bowl season
Chargers K Cameron Dicker (#11) in action during their Pro Bowl season
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers K Cameron Dicker (#11) in action during their Pro Bowl season
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers K Cameron Dicker (#11) in action during their Pro Bowl season
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers K Cameron Dicker (#11) in action during their Pro Bowl season
Chargers K Cameron Dicker (#11) in action during their Pro Bowl season
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers K Cameron Dicker (#11) in action during their Pro Bowl season
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers K Cameron Dicker (#11) in action during their Pro Bowl season
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers K Cameron Dicker (#11) in action during their Pro Bowl season
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (#10) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers S Derwin James, Jr. (#3) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
Chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu (#45) in action during their Pro Bowl season.
5. Phillips thriving on special teams
Oh look, another tackle from Del’Shawn Phillips.
If it seems like the linebacker is in on every Chargers special teams tackles, it's because he pretty much is.
"With Del'Shawn, I don't have enough words to describe this guy," said Chargers Special Teams Coordinator Ryan Ficken.
Entering Week 17, Phillips has already set a Bolts single-season record with 23 special teams tackles and also leads the entire NFL in that category.
Phillips was especially crucial Sunday against the Cowboys by holding the Cowboys to an average starting field position of the 24.7-yard line on kickoff returns, their lowest mark of the season.
"I love when I see the defense run onto the field excited and dapping us up because we're setting the tone on that drive," Phillips said. "We're erasing points off the board because we're putting the team back and we got a great defense.
"With a long field, the odds are not favored and that's what we need," Phillips said. "I love doing that."
As the playoffs near, the Chargers know they will need contributions from all three phases to make a run.
The Bolts certainly have someone to help lead the way in Phillips.
"He has been everything above and beyond not only what I could ask for, but what this team could ask for," Ficken said. "The way he handles himself, not only on the field as we all see, but the way he is in the locker room and the way he talks to the young guys, the way he studies … I wish we had a lot of Del'Shawns."
Harbaugh added: "Just really happy for his success. And some of those tackles he's making, it's him or nobody. He is defeating blocks, making tackles. Just really playing great."
Houston is tied for 12th in the league with a kickoff return average of 26.2 yards.
