Texans vs Chargers Match Player Stats: Full Game Breakdown (Dec 27, 2025)
The Houston Texans traveled to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California with a playoff spot on the line. The Chargers, sitting at 11-5 on their home turf, were no pushover. C.J. Stroud put the game away early with two first-quarter touchdown passes, and Houston’s defense did the rest. The Texans vs Chargers match player stats tell the full story of a hard-fought 20-16 win that sent the Texans to the postseason.
Game Summary: Houston Texans Beat Los Angeles Chargers 20-16
The Houston Texans outgained the Chargers 362 total yards to 275. They jumped out to a 14-0 lead inside the first quarter — both scores coming through the air — and never relinquished the lead. Los Angeles pulled within four points late in the fourth quarter but couldn’t find the end zone again.
This playoff-clinching victory pushed Houston’s record to 11-5 on the season. It also proved the Texans depth chart could generate explosive plays even without a dominant rushing attack.
Final Score: Houston Texans 20 — Los Angeles Chargers 16 Date: December 27, 2025 Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California Referee: Craig Wrolstad
Quarter-by-Quarter Score Breakdown
| Quarter | Texans (HOU) | Chargers (LAC) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 14 | 0 |
| 2nd | 0 | 3 |
| 3rd | 3 | 7 |
| 4th | 3 | 6 |
| Total | 20 | 16 |
Scoring Plays:
- Q1 (13:20) — Jayden Higgins 75-yd TD reception from C.J. Stroud (Ka’imi Fairbairn kick) | HOU 7–0
- Q1 (9:17) — Jaylin Noel 43-yd TD reception from C.J. Stroud (Ka’imi Fairbairn kick) | HOU 14–0
- Q2 (6:10) — Cameron Dicker 27-yd FG | HOU 14–3
- Q3 (6:04) — Ka’imi Fairbairn 41-yd FG | HOU 17–3
- Q3 (0:13) — Oronde Gadsden 1-yd TD from Justin Herbert (Cameron Dicker kick) | HOU 17–10
- Q4 (6:29) — Ka’imi Fairbairn 44-yd FG | HOU 20–10
- Q4 (3:37) — Omarion Hampton 5-yd TD rush (Cameron Dicker PAT failed) | HOU 20–16
C.J. Stroud Passing Stats vs Chargers
C.J. Stroud made a massive impact in the first 15 minutes of this houston texans game, connecting on two deep touchdown passes before the Chargers defense could adjust. He finished with two turnovers but the early cushion proved decisive.
C.J. Stroud — Passing Box Score
| C/ATT | YDS | AVG | TD | INT | SACKS | QBR | RTG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16/28 | 244 | 8.7 | 2 | 2 | 0-0 | 50.7 | 80.1 |
Key Moments:
- Stroud’s 75-yard strike to Jayden Higgins on just the third offensive play set the tone for the whole houston texans game
- A 43-yard score to Jaylin Noel followed two series later to make it 14-0
- Two second-half interceptions gave the Chargers life, but Houston’s defense answered both times
Stroud’s 8.7 yards-per-attempt average showed he was taking shots downfield with precision rather than just dumping short routes. When the Chargers crowded coverage, he paid the price with the picks — but Houston’s early lead was too large to overcome.
Justin Herbert Passing Stats vs Texans
Justin Herbert did enough to keep the Chargers in the game but couldn’t engineer a game-winning drive when it mattered most. His five sacks (for -35 yards) were a significant problem. The Houston defensive front, led by Derek Barnett’s two sacks, consistently disrupted his timing.
Justin Herbert — Passing Box Score
| C/ATT | YDS | AVG | TD | INT | SACKS | QBR | RTG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21/32 | 236 | 7.4 | 1 | 1 | 5 (-35) | 47.6 | 84.9 |
Herbert’s 65.6% completion rate was solid, but his true passing yardage after sack deductions sat around 201 yards. That limited production made the final comeback attempt extremely difficult against a disciplined Houston secondary.
Houston Texans Rushing Stats vs Chargers
The houston texans ground game was workmanlike rather than spectacular. Jawhar Jordan added 36 yards on 8 attempts, providing solid backup work.
Houston Texans — Rushing Box Score
| Player | CAR | YDS | AVG | TD | LONG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woody Marks | 19 | 71 | 3.7 | 0 | 19 |
| Jawhar Jordan | 8 | 36 | 4.5 | 0 | 10 |
| Xavier Hutchinson | 1 | 8 | 8.0 | 0 | 8 |
| Jaylin Noel | 1 | 2 | 2.0 | 0 | 2 |
| Nick Chubb | 1 | 1 | 1.0 | 0 | 1 |
| C.J. Stroud | 4 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 2 |
| TEAM | 34 | 118 | 3.5 | 0 | 19 |
The Texans ran the ball 34 times, clearly focused on ball control and clock management after building their 14-point lead. The 3.5 yards-per-carry average wasn’t flashy, but it kept the chains moving and ate valuable clock time.
Los Angeles Chargers Rushing Stats vs Texans
The Chargers’ rushing attack struggled to find consistent daylight. Justin Herbert was actually their most effective runner with 6 carries for 37 yards, including a 28-yard scramble. Omarion Hampton scored the only rushing touchdown but averaged just 2.1 yards per carry.
Los Angeles Chargers — Rushing Box Score
| Player | CAR | YDS | AVG | TD | LONG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Herbert | 6 | 37 | 6.2 | 0 | 28 |
| Omarion Hampton | 14 | 29 | 2.1 | 1 | 5 |
| Tre’ Harris | 1 | 7 | 7.0 | 0 | 7 |
| Jaret Patterson | 1 | 1 | 1.0 | 0 | 1 |
| TEAM | 22 | 74 | 3.4 | 1 | 28 |
Houston’s defensive front held Hampton to just 29 yards on 14 carries. The Texans stuffed the run consistently, forcing the Chargers to become one-dimensional on offense in the second half.
Texans Receiving Stats — Who Caught the Touchdown Passes?
The breakout performer in the texans vs chargers match player stats was undoubtedly Jayden Higgins. His 75-yard touchdown on just two catches was the single biggest play of the entire game. Jaylin Noel also scored, turning his 43-yard reception into six points. Nico Collins led the team in receptions with three grabs for 57 yards.
Houston Texans — Receiving Box Score
| Player | REC | YDS | AVG | TD | LONG | TGTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jayden Higgins | 2 | 88 | 44.0 | 1 | 75 | 4 |
| Nico Collins | 3 | 57 | 19.0 | 0 | 23 | 4 |
| Jaylin Noel | 3 | 54 | 18.0 | 1 | 43 | 4 |
| Xavier Hutchinson | 2 | 21 | 10.5 | 0 | 11 | 3 |
| Dalton Schultz | 3 | 19 | 6.3 | 0 | 11 | 4 |
| Woody Marks | 1 | 4 | 4.0 | 0 | 4 | 2 |
| Christian Kirk | 2 | 1 | 0.5 | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| TEAM | 16 | 244 | 15.3 | 2 | 75 | 26 |
Jayden Higgins’s 44.0 yards-per-reception average was the most explosive mark in the game. He turned two targets into 88 yards and a score. Christian Kirk, despite five targets, managed just 1 receiving yard — a tough day for the veteran wide receiver.
Chargers Receiving Stats vs Texans
Quentin Johnston was Los Angeles’ top weapon, hauling in 5 catches for 98 yards. His 60-yard reception in the second half was the longest gain of the game for the Chargers. Oronde Gadsden provided the only touchdown reception for Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Chargers — Receiving Box Score
| Player | REC | YDS | AVG | TD | LONG | TGTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quentin Johnston | 5 | 98 | 19.6 | 0 | 60 | 8 |
| Oronde Gadsden | 3 | 32 | 10.7 | 1 | 25 | 6 |
| Ladd McConkey | 1 | 31 | 31.0 | 0 | 31 | 2 |
| Omarion Hampton | 8 | 31 | 3.9 | 0 | 17 | 8 |
| Will Dissly | 2 | 19 | 9.5 | 0 | 18 | 2 |
| Keenan Allen | 1 | 17 | 17.0 | 0 | 17 | 3 |
| Tre’ Harris | 1 | 8 | 8.0 | 0 | 8 | 1 |
| KeAndre Lambert-Smith | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| TEAM | 21 | 236 | 11.2 | 1 | 60 | 31 |
Hampton received 8 targets as a check-down option out of the backfield but averaged just 3.9 yards per catch. Houston’s linebackers smothered him in space whenever Herbert tried to dump it short.
Defensive Player Stats — Tackles, Sacks & Interceptions
The defense was the real story in the Texans vs Chargers match player stats. Houston registered 5 sacks on Herbert, with Derek Barnett recording a game-high 2 sacks. Henry To’oTo’o led all defenders in the game with 12 total tackles. Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair also added an interception.
Houston Texans — Defensive Box Score (Top Performers)
| Player | TOT | SOLO | SACKS | TFL | PD | QB HTS | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Henry To’oTo’o | 12 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Kamari Lassiter | 6 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Azeez Al-Shaair | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Jalen Pitre | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| K’Von Wallace | 5 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Danielle Hunter | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Will Anderson Jr. | 3 | 2 | 0.5 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Derek Barnett | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Derek Stingley Jr. | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| TEAM TOTALS | 67 | 39 | 5 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 1 |
Los Angeles Chargers — Defensive Box Score (Top Performers)
| Player | TOT | SOLO | SACKS | TFL | PD | QB HTS | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daiyan Henley | 11 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Derwin James Jr. | 8 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Tarheeb Still | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Del’Shawn Phillips | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tony Jefferson | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Khalil Mack | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Elijah Molden | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| TEAM TOTALS | 67 | 34 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 2 |
The Chargers picked off Stroud twice — Derwin James Jr. and Elijah Molden each nabbed one — but couldn’t convert those takeaways into touchdowns. Khalil Mack was held without a sack, a significant win for the Texans offensive line.
Full Team Stats Comparison: Texans vs Chargers
| Category | Houston Texans | LA Chargers |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 362 | 275 |
| Passing Yards | 244 | 236 |
| Rushing Yards | 118 | 74 |
| 1st Downs | 16 | 16 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Penalties (Yds) | 8 (70) | 3 (25) |
| 3rd Down Conv. | 3/11 (27%) | 6/15 (40%) |
| Red Zone Scoring | 0/0 | 2/5 (40%) |
| Time of Possession | 30:21 | 29:39 |
| Sacks Allowed | 0 | 5 (-35 yds) |
| Total Plays | ~68 | ~54 |
Houston’s 87-yard edge in total yardage told the story. The Texans also controlled the ball for more than 30 minutes. Their 8 penalties for 70 yards was a concern — three of those calls extended key Chargers drives that could have been costly in a closer game.
Special Teams Stats: Kickers and Returners
Kicking — Ka’imi Fairbairn (HOU) went 2-for-2 on field goals (41 and 44 yards) and 2-for-2 on extra points. Reliable and accurate when the offense stalled.
Kicking — Cameron Dicker (LAC) went 1-for-2 on field goals, also missing the extra point after the Chargers’ final touchdown — a miss that sealed Los Angeles’s fate.
| Kicker | Team | FG | PCT | LONG | XP | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ka’imi Fairbairn | HOU | 2/2 | 100% | 44 | 2/2 | 8 |
| Cameron Dicker | LAC | 1/2 | 50% | 27 | 1/2 | 4 |
Punting — Tommy Townsend (HOU) averaged an impressive 50.4 yards per punt on 5 punts, placing 4 inside the 20-yard line. Punting — JK Scott (LAC) averaged 39.0 yards on 7 punts — a significant field-position disadvantage for Los Angeles all afternoon.
How Does This Game Fit Into the Texans’ 2025 Season?
This win was one of the most important houston texans games of the season. It clinched a playoff berth for head coach DeMeco Ryans’s squad. The Texans finished the regular season at 12-5 — second in the AFC South behind the Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4).
2025 AFC South Standings (End of Season)
| Team | W | L | PCT | PF | PA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville | 13 | 4 | .765 | 474 | 336 |
| Houston | 12 | 5 | .706 | 404 | 295 |
| Indianapolis | 8 | 9 | .471 | 466 | 412 |
| Tennessee | 3 | 14 | .176 | 284 | 478 |
The houston texans schedule also included challenging matchups against the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots. Wins in key games like this one against the Chargers defined a season that showed real postseason potential.
How Do Stroud’s Stats Compare Across Big Games This Season?
When comparing the texans vs chargers match player stats to other marquee matchups, Stroud’s performance was explosive in bursts but inconsistent.
- Texans vs Kansas City Chiefs match player stats: Stroud showed similar deep-ball ability against a Chiefs defense that ranked among the best in the AFC.
- Texans vs Seahawks match player stats: Houston’s ground game played a bigger role in that matchup compared to the Chargers game.
- Bills vs Texans: A more conservative game plan from Stroud, relying on short routes and check-downs against Buffalo’s zone coverage.
- Texans vs Patriots: Stroud put up clean numbers with minimal turnovers — a stark contrast to the two interceptions he threw against Los Angeles.
The Chargers game showed Stroud’s ceiling when he gets into rhythm early — and his tendency to press when the game tightens.
Key Takeaways From the Texans vs Chargers Match Player Stats
- Best Offensive Player (HOU): Jayden Higgins — 2 receptions, 88 yards, 1 TD, 75-yd long
- Best Offensive Player (LAC): Quentin Johnston — 5 receptions, 98 yards, 60-yd long
- Best Defensive Player (HOU): Derek Barnett — 2 sacks, 2 TFL, 2 QB hits
- Best Defensive Player (LAC): Daiyan Henley — 11 tackles
- Biggest Play: Jayden Higgins 75-yard touchdown catch in Q1
- Game-Deciding Factor: Houston’s 5-sack performance on Herbert and the early 14-0 lead
The texans vs chargers match player stats show a well-rounded team performance from Houston — explosive offense in the first quarter, disciplined defense in the second half, and clutch kicking throughout.
6 Frequently Asked Questions
1. What were the final Texans vs Chargers match player stats?
Answer: The Houston Texans won 20-16 on December 27, 2025. C.J. Stroud threw for 244 yards and 2 TDs. Justin Herbert passed for 236 yards and 1 TD. Jayden Higgins led receivers with 88 yards and a score. Derek Barnett led the pass rush with 2 sacks.
2. Who scored touchdowns in the Texans vs Chargers game?
Answer: Touchdowns were scored by Jayden Higgins (75-yd reception, HOU), Jaylin Noel (43-yd reception, HOU), Oronde Gadsden (1-yd reception, LAC), and Omarion Hampton (5-yd rush, LAC). Ka’imi Fairbairn added two field goals for Houston.
3. How many sacks did the Texans defense record against the Chargers?
Answer: Houston registered 5 total sacks on Justin Herbert, with Derek Barnett leading the way with 2. Danielle Hunter, Will Anderson Jr., and Denico Autry also contributed. The sacks cost the Chargers 35 yards and disrupted the entire second half offensive rhythm.
4. What were Woody Marks’ rushing stats vs the Chargers?
Answer: Woody Marks carried the ball 19 times for 71 yards (3.7 avg) and no touchdowns. He was Houston’s primary ball carrier and his workload reflected a game plan focused on clock control and protecting the lead.
5. Did this game affect the Texans playoff position?
Answer: Yes, significantly. The win clinched a playoff berth for the Houston Texans, who finished the 2025 regular season at 12-5. They placed second in the AFC South behind the Jacksonville Jaguars. This houston texans game was one of the most meaningful wins of their regular season schedule.
6. How did the Texans vs Chargers match player stats compare to the Texans depth chart expectations?
Answer: Several players exceeded expectations. Jayden Higgins, listed lower on the Texans depth chart than veterans like Nico Collins and Christian Kirk, was the game’s most explosive offensive weapon. Jaylin Noel also outproduced his depth chart standing with a touchdown reception.
The Texans Showed They Belong — And the Stats Prove It
The complete texans vs chargers match player stats paint a clear picture: Houston came to SoFi Stadium with a game plan, executed it in the first quarter, and defended it in the fourth. C.J. Stroud’s two early touchdown throws took the crowd out of the game. The defense did the rest.
This playoff-clinching performance proved the 2025 Houston Texans have the talent, depth, and composure to compete deep into January. If you want to track how Stroud, Higgins, and the rest of the roster continue to perform, bookmark the full texans schedule and check back after every houston texans game.
Want to compare these numbers to the Texans vs Kansas city chiefs match player stats or texans vs seahawks match player stats? Drop a comment or check the links below for full box scores and analysis.
Sources Used:
- ESPN UK — Official Box Score, Texans vs Chargers (Dec 27, 2025): espn.co.uk/nfl/boxscore/_/gameId/401772951
- ESPN UK — Game Recap, Texans vs Chargers: espn.co.uk/nfl/recap/_/gameId/401772951
- ESPN UK — Play-by-Play, Texans vs Chargers: espn.co.uk/nfl/playbyplay/_/gameId/401772951
- Football DB — Houston Texans Team vs Team History: footballdb.com/teams/nfl/houston-texans/teamvsteam
- ESPN UK — 2025 AFC Standings: espn.co.uk/nfl/table
