The Houston Texans secured a playoff berth with a 20-16 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at SoFi Stadium, improving their record to 11-5 and eliminating the Indianapolis Colts from postseason contention while clinching the AFC West for the Denver Broncos.
Houston exploded early as quarterback C.J. Stroud connected with rookie Jayden Higgins for a 75-yard touchdown on the game’s third play, followed by a 43-yard score to Jaylin Noel just minutes later, capitalizing on Chargers coverage breakdowns for a 14-0 lead. These strikes set the tone in a defensive battle where the Texans’ top-ranked unit stifled Los Angeles for much of the contest, limiting big plays and forcing key mistakes.
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, battling a hand injury, rallied his team with resilient play, evading pressure and using his legs to extend drives. He led two second-half touchdown marches, including a 1-yard pass to tight end Oronde Gadsden and a 5-yard rush by Omarion Hampton, keeping the game within reach until the final minutes despite offensive line struggles.
Special teams proved decisive, as Pro Bowl kicker Cameron Dicker missed a 32-yard field goal before halftime and failed on an extra point in the fourth quarter, while punter J.K. Scott’s two poor kicks led to Texans field goals. This 10-point swing overwhelmed the Chargers in a low-scoring affair, highlighting recurring issues in clutch moments for Los Angeles.
The win ensures Houston at least a wild card spot and keeps them in contention for the AFC South title, pending the Jacksonville Jaguars’ results, marking the first time in franchise history the Texans have reached the playoffs in three straight seasons. For the Chargers, the loss ends a five-game winning streak but does not affect their playoff seeding, as they remain 11-5 and headed to the postseason with Denver securing the division.
Statistically, Stroud finished 16-of-28 for 244 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions, while Herbert went 21-of-32 for 236 yards, one touchdown, and one pick. Houston’s defense, led by Derek Barnett’s two sacks and Henry To’oTo’o’s 12 tackles, held Los Angeles to 275 total yards, underscoring their dominance and key role in the victory.
Looking ahead, the Texans host the Indianapolis Colts in Week 18 with division title implications, while the Chargers travel to face the Denver Broncos in a game that could shuffle AFC seeding. Both teams have playoff berths locked, but final positioning will hinge on these matchups, setting the stage for a competitive postseason.
This outcome reinforces the Texans’ resurgence under coach DeMeco Ryans, combining a stout defense with an emerging offense, while the Chargers must address special teams woes to capitalize on Herbert’s heroics in the playoffs.
