Eliminate one potential high-profile contest for the final week of the season.
The league may be urgently looking to adjust its schedule for matches with significant playoff implications. A victory on Saturday would have enabled the Los Angeles Chargers to secure an AFC West title showdown in Week 18; however, they displayed an unexpectedly subdued performance against the Houston Texans. Los Angeles quickly trailed 14-0 early on and failed to recover, resulting in a detrimental 20-16 defeat.
During their initial two offensive series, the Texans managed to score two lengthy touchdowns against a defense unaccustomed to conceding deep plays, a deficit too significant for the Chargers to surmount. Facing Houston’s formidable defense becomes particularly challenging once they establish an advantage.
This victory ensures Houston remains a contender in the AFC South, preventing the Jacksonville Jaguars from securing the title in Week 17, and solidified their reputation as an undesirable playoff opponent. Houston boasts the league’s top defense, and despite their offense slowing down after a strong start on Saturday, late-season contributions from their rookies have proven beneficial. Even if Houston fails to defeat Jacksonville for the divisional crown, their defense is well-equipped to perform strongly in road playoff games.
The Texans’ triumph led to the Indianapolis Colts’ elimination, while the Denver Broncos secured the AFC West championship following the Chargers’ defeat. Although the Broncos will still pursue the top seed in the AFC next week, a highly anticipated divisional title match will no longer occur in Denver. This outcome likely displeased the NFL.
Chargers Endure a Poor First Half
The Chargers struggled across the board, a fact immediately apparent. Barely two minutes into the contest, Texans’ first-year wideout Jayden Higgins found himself uncovered deep, and C.J. Stroud connected with him for a 75-yard score.
During Houston’s subsequent possession, Stroud launched another deep pass to fellow rookie, Jaylin Noel, resulting in a 43-yard touchdown. For a defensive unit typically stingy with deep completions, this represented an abysmal beginning.
Their offensive and special teams units also encountered difficulties. Justin Herbert completed a 60-yard play to Quentin Johnson, only for the very next snap to see a pass intended for Oronde Gadsden II intercepted after touching his hands.
The Chargers quickly regained possession after a poor interception by Stroud, yet Cameron Dicker, who held a perfect 68-for-68 record on field goals within 40 yards in his career, failed to convert a 32-yard try, pushing it wide right.
The Chargers hardly resembled a team requiring a win to establish an AFC West championship match the following week. Houston’s defense, recognized as the league’s finest, largely contributed to the Chargers’ struggles. By halftime, Los Angeles found themselves down 14-3, having been outgained 258-131 in the first half, and appeared far from a playoff-caliber squad.
Houston Holds Onto Their Advantage
Despite the two early long touchdowns, the Chargers’ defensive unit managed to keep them competitive, and Los Angeles eventually reached the end zone late in the third period. Herbert executed two remarkable plays to sustain the drive: a 28-yard scramble on third-and-14, and an 8-yard throw on third-and-6 where he evaded tackles and remained upright. Gadsden ultimately scored, narrowing Houston’s advantage to 17-10.
Given the Texans’ defensive performance, their offense required minimal additional effort to secure the win. Houston capitalized on a short field following a poor Chargers punt, and a 44-yard field goal extended Houston’s lead to 20-10 with 6:29 left on the clock.
Los Angeles recovered with a touchdown from an Omarion Hampton rush. However, Dicker, who had only missed three of his 129 career extra point tries, sent this one wide left. Dicker is among the league’s top kickers, but his failures on these close-range attempts cost the Chargers four crucial points, leaving them behind 20-16 with 3:37 left.
Just before the two-minute warning, the Chargers believed they had forced a punt, but a debatable illegal contact infraction by cornerback Tarheeb Still nullified a third-down sack, awarding Houston a first down. Los Angeles never regained possession. While the Chargers improved after their dreadful opening, they again struggled with quarterback protection, their special teams proved to be a significant disappointment, and the two major plays conceded early in the game ultimately caused their defeat.
Several significant matchups remain potential candidates for Week 18. The 49ers and Seahawks might compete for the NFC West crown. The Panthers and Buccaneers could clash with the NFC South championship at stake. The NFL has several possible games to highlight on Saturday and Sunday night, depending on the results from the remainder of Week 17. However, the previously promising Broncos-Chargers encounter now holds considerably less excitement.
Stay updated with real-time developments, key moments, and further coverage from Yahoo Sports as the Houston Texans and Los Angeles Chargers compete this Saturday afternoon:
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Tarohn Finley
The Houston Texans defeated the Los Angeles Chargers with a final score of 20-16. This victory by the Texans knocked the Indianapolis Colts out of playoff contention. Houston began the game with an astonishing performance. Quarterback CJ Stroud achieved a perfect 4-for-4 record for 142 yards and two touchdowns early in the initial quarter. Stroud successfully threw a 75-yard and a 43-yard touchdown pass, both secured by rookie wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, who were teammates at Iowa State. Stroud concluded the game with 15 completions on 27 attempts for 225 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. The Chargers’ aspirations for winning this contest were thwarted by errors, missed field goals, and a sluggish opening. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert completed 21 of 32 passes for 236 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, and was sacked five times. Cameron Dicker’s unsuccessful field goal and extra point attempts also proved detrimental, contributing to the Chargers’ four-point loss. Despite numerous setbacks, the Chargers’ defense limited the Texans’ offense to just six points after the first quarter. The game concluded for the Chargers due to an illegal contact infraction.
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Late in the fourth quarter, Chargers’ running back Omarion Hampton secured a rushing touchdown, narrowing the game to a single possession. The Chargers’ successful scoring march was initiated by first-year tight end Oronde Gadsden II. Gadsden made a 25-yard reception, advancing the Chargers into the red zone, and was subsequently held, further improving their scoring opportunity. Gadsden’s stat line includes three receptions for 32 yards and one touchdown. The Texans maintain a 20-16 lead after Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker’s extra point attempt failed.
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Ka’imi Fairbairn’s field goal boosted the Houston Texans’ lead to ten points. Houston’s offense has found it challenging to score since the initial quarter. Texans quarterback CJ Stroud has completed 15 of 27 passes for 225 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. The Texans hold a 20-10 advantage over the Chargers late in the fourth quarter.
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First-year tight end Oronde Gadsden II secured the Chargers’ initial touchdown during the late stages of the third quarter. Gadsden had previously displayed clear annoyance after fumbling passes he typically catches, but the touchdown is expected to boost his morale. Gadsden concluded the contest with two receptions for seven yards and one touchdown. For the season, his statistics now stand at 46 catches for 609 yards and three touchdowns. The Texans maintain a 17-10 lead over the Chargers at the beginning of the fourth quarter.
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Justin Herbert advanced the ball himself to secure a first down on a third-and-14 play. Herbert’s passing stats are 12 completions on 18 attempts for 147 yards and one interception. He also leads the team in rushing with 36 yards. The Chargers have penetrated the red zone. The Texans hold a 17-3 lead late in the third quarter.
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Ka’imi Fairbairn’s field goal, his first of this match, pushed the Texans’ lead to 17-3 in the third quarter, contrasting with his three successful kicks in the previous game against the Raiders.
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The Chargers’ offensive difficulties persisted into the second half. Consecutive sacks compelled another Chargers punt. The Texans have accumulated five sacks in the game thus far. The Texans hold a 14-3 lead over the Chargers in the third quarter.
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The Houston Texans are ahead of Los Angeles 14-3, largely due to a robust defensive display in the first half. Following an explosive beginning, Texans quarterback CJ Stroud’s stats are 10 completions on 18 attempts for 185 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. First-year running back Woody Marks has gained 39 yards on seven carries. Despite several opportunities in the red zone, the Chargers’ offense has struggled to convert them into points, managing only three so far. Justin Herbert has completed 10 of 14 passes for 123 yards and one interception. Omarion Hampton has rushed for 20 yards on 10 carries. The Chargers will commence the second half with possession.
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Tarohn Finley
Cameron Dicker’s failed field goal attempt concluded a challenging first half for the Los Angeles Chargers. This marked only Dicker’s third missed field goal of the current season. At halftime, the Texans held a 14-3 lead. The Chargers are set to receive the ball to begin the second half.
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An interception thrown by Texans quarterback CJ Stroud provided the Chargers with another chance to score. Stroud’s current statistics are 10 completions on 18 attempts for 185 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. The Texans are leading the Chargers 14-3 late in the second quarter.
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The Chargers were advancing their drive after achieving their second consecutive defensive stop. Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair dashed the Chargers’ scoring aspirations by securing an interception. Al-Shaair had previously exited the game earlier in the quarter but returned. The Texans hold a 14-3 lead late in the second quarter.
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Following a knee injury sustained in the second quarter, Houston Texans cornerback Kamari Lassiter’s status is now uncertain. Lassiter managed to walk off the playing surface. This season, he has recorded 57 tackles and four interceptions. Lassiter is a crucial component of the Texans’ defensive unit and was recognized as a first alternate for the 2026 Pro Bowl.
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Derwin James’ interception allowed the Chargers to convert it into three points via a Cameron Dicker field goal. For the first time in the contest, the Chargers penetrated the red zone but failed to achieve a touchdown. Justin Herbert’s stats are 5 completions on 8 attempts for 53 yards. First-year running back Omarion Hampton has accumulated 22 rushing yards on 10 carries. These rapid defensive stops contributed to the Texans’ initial 14-0 lead.
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Houston Texans cornerback Kamari Lassiter fell to the ground but managed to walk off the field. Lassiter received recognition as a first alternate for the 2026 Pro Bowl. Azeez Al-Shaair successfully rejoined the game during the same drive.
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Derwin James of the Los Angeles Chargers secured the game’s initial turnover. Following a challenging offensive beginning, James’ interception provided the Chargers with favorable field position. James was recently chosen for his fifth Pro Bowl appearance. The Texans maintain a 14-0 lead in the second quarter.
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Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair exited the field after collapsing early in the second quarter. This season, Al-Shaair has accumulated 96 tackles and one interception. He recently earned his inaugural career Pro Bowl selection.
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The Houston Texans are delivering a defensive clinic. In the first quarter, the Chargers have recorded more punts than Justin Herbert completions. Herbert’s stats are 2 completions on 3 attempts for 14 yards. First-year running back Omarion Hampton has 17 rushing yards on seven carries. These swift defensive halts contributed to the Texans’ early 14-0 advantage. CJ Stroud has completed 6 of 8 passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns. Stroud has already thrown a 75-yard and a 43-yard touchdown in the game. Both scoring passes were hauled in by rookie wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, who were collegiate teammates at Iowa State.
