Overview
- C.J. Stroud hit Jayden Higgins for 75 yards and Jaylin Noel for 43 on Houston's opening drives to build a 14-0 lead.
- Justin Herbert faced heavy pressure behind an injury-hit line, taking five sacks on 35 pressures as sustained drives stalled.
- Cameron Dicker missed a 32-yard field goal before halftime and a fourth-quarter extra point, and JK Scott shanked a 22-yard punt that set up a Texans field goal.
- Derwin James Jr. intercepted a pass to set up points as the defense steadied after early coverage miscommunication that allowed the long scores.
- The defeat ended Los Angeles' AFC West bid and shuffled seeding; Houston secured a berth while reports place the Chargers anywhere from No. 5 to No. 7 entering Week 18 at Denver.