The Houston Texans secured a 20-16 win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday at SoFi Stadium, clinching their third straight playoff berth and extending their winning streak to eight games. Houston built an early 14-0 lead on touchdown passes from C.J. Stroud to Jayden Higgins (75 yards) and Jaylin Noel (43 yards).
Stroud finished 16-of-28 for 244 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert threw for 236 yards, one touchdown and an interception as Houston’s defense limited Los Angeles’ offense for most of the game.
The victory improved the Texans to 11-5, keeping them in contention for the AFC South title. The Chargers, however, fell to 11-5, eliminating their chances in the AFC West.
The game also included several questionable calls by officials. One of the most talked-about moments occurred in the second quarter, with the Chargers trailing 14-0. During a Texans drive, tight end Dalton Schultz was shoved in the back and struck in the face by Chargers nose tackle Teair Tart.
Schultz pushed Tart in retaliation, causing the 315-pound lineman to fall. Officials flagged Schultz for 15 yards for a personal foul, while Tart was not penalized on the play, a ruling that was deemed unfair by some spectators.
Shultz gets shoved in the back and hit in the face, turns around and pushes a 300+ pound lineman who easily falls down… and Shultz gets a 15 yard personal foul penalty…. pic.twitter.com/ZLzvIGxObu
— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) December 27, 2025
The NFL will review the incident and could impose fines on either player. Per the league’s rule book, a personal foul for a hit on a defenseless player carries fines of $17,389 for a first offense and $23,186 for a second offense.
Unsportsmanlike conduct, which includes actions such as taunting, fighting, or retaliation, carries fines of $14,491 for a first offense and $20,288 for a second offense.
Schultz’s penalty was assessed for unnecessary pushing, while Tart’s initial shove could fall under unsportsmanlike conduct if the league decides to discipline him.
Any ruling will consider intent, context, and prior history. At this stage, fines or additional discipline remain possible but not confirmed as the NFL continues its review, with outcomes set to be determined before both teams suit up in Week 18.
The Texans finish the season at home against the Indianapolis Colts, while the Chargers travel to Mile High for a matchup against the Denver Broncos.
Texans join 2018 team with history making 0-3 playoff berth
Don’t look now, but the Houston Texans are officially the team nobody wants to see in January. After stumbling out of the gate with a nightmare 0-3 start, DeMeco Ryans’ squad has completed the ultimate turnaround.
With a gritty 20-16 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday at SoFi Stadium, the Texans punched their ticket to the postseason, becoming the first team to make the playoffs after starting 0-3 since… well, the Texans in 2018.
As NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo noted, only five teams have pulled off this feat since the field expanded in 1990. Houston now owns two of those spots.
Saturday’s win was a testament to their resilience. C.J. Stroud wasted no time lighting up the scoreboard, connecting with rookie sensation Jayden Higgins for a 75-yard touchdown on the opening drive. Stroud wasn’t done there, finding fellow rookie Jaylin Noel for a 43-yard strike shortly after to put Houston up early.
While the offense provided the fireworks, the defense brought the hammer. They harassed Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert all afternoon, racking up sacks and forcing timely turnovers, including an interception by Azeez Al-Shaair. The Chargers threatened late, but missed kicks by Cameron Dicker proved costly for Los Angeles.
The victory marks Houston’s eighth straight win, pushing its record to 11-5. It wasn’t always pretty. Justin Herbert did find Oronde Gadsden II for a score to make it tight, but winning in December is about survival.
Now, the Texans aren’t just a feel-good story; they are a legitimate threat. They’ve gone from “on to the draft” to “on to the playoffs” in the blink of an eye. If history is any indication, this team knows exactly how to handle adversity.
ld advantage throughout the NFC playoffs on the line.
