The opening game of the 2024 playoffs will be played at NRG Stadium in Houston, with the Texans hosting the Los Angeles Chargers.

After a promising 2023, the Texans have topped the tenuous AFC South division. Conversely, in Jim Harbaugh’s first year as head coach, the Chargers significantly improved their performance compared to the previous year.

The Chargers are led by star quarterback Justin Herbert, who thrived under Harbaugh’s leadership, recording 3,870 pass yards, 23 touchdowns and just three interceptions.

In CJ Stroud, LA faces the quarterback who struggled in his second NFL season but was still able to secure a spot in the postseason.

The stars of Saturday’s show could be the defense, however, as both are outstanding in 2024; Houston has 19 interceptions, its second-most this year, while Los Angeles’ unit is filled with game-changing talent like Derwin James, Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack.

Given the holes in both teams’ rosters – the Chargers don’t have many pass catchers for Herbert, while the Texans’ wide receiving core is depleted by injuries – neither team is expected to compete for the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

But the opening game of the playoffs could still hold a lot of excitement as teams look to take the first step toward New Orleans and potentially upset a heavyweight or two along the way.