Overview
- Houston improved to 11-5 with its eighth straight victory after an 0-3 start, continuing a run built on the NFL’s top-ranked defense.
- C.J. Stroud hit rookies Jayden Higgins (75 yards) and Jaylin Noel (43 yards) for first‑quarter touchdowns to stake a 14-0 lead.
- The Texans’ defense pressured Justin Herbert throughout, recording five sacks and two takeaways while holding Los Angeles to 16 points.
- Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker missed a 32-yard field goal before halftime and a late extra point as Los Angeles fell to 11-5 and is bound for a wild-card road game.
- Denver clinched the AFC West with the Chargers’ loss, and Houston’s win eliminated the Colts, leaving Week 18 matchups (Texans vs. Colts; Chargers at Broncos) to determine final seeding and Houston’s AFC South chances.