The Houston Texans delivered a dominant performance over the Los Angeles Chargers, winning 32-12 at NRG Stadium in front of 71,408 fans on January 11, 2025. This Wild Card matchup highlighted both the strength of Houston’s defense and the vulnerabilities in Los Angeles’ offensive line, culminating in one of the most remarkable playoff upsets of the 2024 NFL postseason.
Justin Herbert’s Career-Worst Playoff Performance
Heading into the playoffs, Justin Herbert had established himself as one of the league’s most efficient quarterbacks, boasting an NFL-best interception rate of just 0.6% over the regular season. However, in Houston, the veteran signal-caller faced an unprecedented challenge. Herbert threw four interceptions in a single playoff game, more than he had all season, and completed only 14 of 32 passes for 242 yards. His passer rating dropped to a season-low 40.9, reflecting the pressure and defensive dominance Houston brought.
The Texans’ defensive line, led by Will Anderson Jr., Mario Edwards Jr., and Denico Autry, consistently disrupted Herbert’s rhythm. Herbert faced pressure on 52.8% of his dropbacks, the highest rate any quarterback encountered in the 2024 playoffs. This relentless pressure forced off-balance throws and turnovers, making his career-worst playoff outing one to remember—for the wrong reasons.
C.J. Stroud Shines in First Playoff Appearance
While Herbert struggled, Houston’s rookie quarterback, C.J. Stroud, thrived under the playoff lights. Completing 22 of 33 passes for 282 yards, one touchdown, and only one interception, Stroud exhibited poise, accuracy, and resilience. The key play of the game came late in the second quarter during a 99-yard drive that turned the Chargers’ 6-0 lead into a 10-6 Houston advantage. Stroud’s ability to recover a fumbled snap and connect with Xavier Hutchinson for 34 yards, followed by back-to-back completions to Nico Collins, showcased his awareness and clutch performance under pressure.
This 99-yard drive was not only the longest touchdown drive of the 2024 playoffs but also a critical momentum shift. From that moment, Houston controlled the pace and dictated the game’s narrative, forcing the Chargers to play catch-up for the remainder of the contest.
Turnover Battle and Defensive Dominance
The game’s outcome was ultimately determined by turnovers and defensive execution. Los Angeles’ defense forced three fumbles, but it was Houston’s opportunistic play that swung the game. Eric Murray’s pick-six and Derek Stingley Jr.’s two interceptions, including a tipped pass off Will Dissly, underscored Houston’s defensive excellence. Stingley Jr., who also forced a fumble, earned PFF’s Defensive Player of the Week honors with a 93.6 rating.
The Texans limited Los Angeles to just 261 total yards, holding the Chargers to a 0-for-1 performance in red zone opportunities. Houston’s defense created havoc for Herbert, while the Chargers’ offensive line struggled to provide protection. Right guard Jamaree Salyer, rated 30.0 by PFF, and left guard Zion Johnson, rated 49.6, failed to contain Houston’s pass rush, directly contributing to the quarterback’s turnovers and low completion percentage.
Offensive Highlights: McConkey’s Historic Night
Despite the loss, Ladd McConkey had a record-breaking playoff performance for Los Angeles. The rookie wide receiver amassed 197 receiving yards, surpassing Puka Nacua’s previous NFL rookie playoff record. His 86-yard touchdown reception on 3rd-and-26 was a stunning display of speed, agility, and field vision. McConkey accounted for 81.4% of the Chargers’ receiving yards, demonstrating his importance in a struggling passing attack.
Other Chargers’ receivers, however, failed to make a significant impact. Quentin Johnston recorded zero catches on five targets, while DJ Chark managed just one catch on four targets. This lack of support left Herbert without reliable options, further contributing to the team’s offensive struggles.
Houston’s passing game, by contrast, was balanced and efficient. Nine different players recorded receptions, led by Nico Collins with 122 yards and one touchdown. Xavier Hutchinson, although targeted only once, made a critical 34-yard reception during the decisive 99-yard drive, highlighting Houston’s ability to spread the ball effectively and keep the defense off-balance.
Rushing Attack and Time of Possession
Houston’s ground game played a significant role in controlling the clock and maintaining offensive momentum. Joe Mixon carried the ball 25 times for 106 yards, including a crucial 17-yard touchdown run on 4th-and-1 in the fourth quarter that effectively sealed the game. C.J. Stroud also contributed with 42 rushing yards on six carries, while Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale added valuable short-yardage gains.
Los Angeles, by contrast, struggled to establish a rushing attack. The Chargers managed only 50 rushing yards on 18 attempts, with J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and Hassan Haskins unable to gain significant yardage. Houston’s defense effectively clogged running lanes and forced Los Angeles into passing situations, further contributing to Herbert’s interceptions and pressure-filled performance.
Houston’s dominance in time of possession—34:25 compared to Los Angeles’ 25:35—allowed the Texans to dictate the game’s tempo. By keeping the Chargers’ offense off the field, Houston minimized opportunities for Herbert to recover and created a sense of control that was maintained throughout the matchup.
Special Teams and Field Position
Special teams play also factored into the game’s outcome. Cameron Dicker’s missed extra point and only field goals (35 and 39 yards) contrasted with Ka’imi Fairbairn’s perfect night, where he converted three field goals, including a 41-yarder, and all three extra points. Additionally, J.K. Scott’s 65-yard punt, intended to flip field position, instead set the stage for Houston’s critical 99-yard touchdown drive. Houston’s execution in special teams further amplified their advantage in key moments.
Critical Team Statistics
Team stats reveal the scope of Houston’s control:
- Total Yards: Texans 429, Chargers 261
- Passing Yards: Texans 261, Chargers 211
- Rushing Yards: Texans 168, Chargers 50
- First Downs: Texans 20, Chargers 15
- Third Downs: Texans 5/14 (36%), Chargers 3/11 (27%)
- Red Zone Efficiency: Texans 2/4 (50%), Chargers 0/1 (0%)
- Penalties: Texans 8 for 86 yards, Chargers 2 for 10 yards
These numbers show Houston’s ability to gain yards, convert on critical downs, and maintain discipline while capitalizing on Los Angeles’ mistakes.
Why Houston Won
The Texans’ victory was the result of a combination of defensive dominance, strategic play-calling, and balanced offensive execution. DeMeco Ryans’ game plan emphasized pressure, coverage, and opportunistic turnovers, exploiting weaknesses along the Chargers’ offensive line. Joe Mixon’s consistent ground game kept the defense honest, while Stroud’s composed passing allowed Houston to convert under pressure. Houston successfully executed both situational football and big plays, with the 99-yard drive serving as the pivotal moment that shifted momentum decisively in their favor.
Conclusion
The January 11, 2025 Wild Card game between the Houston Texans and Los Angeles Chargers highlighted the importance of execution, balance, and opportunistic defense in the playoffs. Houston’s defensive line dominated from start to finish, forcing four interceptions and limiting Los Angeles to just 261 total yards. C.J. Stroud’s poised performance and Joe Mixon’s consistent rushing attack kept the Texans in control, while Justin Herbert struggled under relentless pressure, marking a career-worst playoff outing. Despite Ladd McConkey’s record-breaking 197 receiving yards, the Chargers could not overcome turnovers and a strong Houston defense. Overall, this game served as a clear example of how turnovers, pressure, and balanced offensive strategies determine postseason outcomes. For a detailed breakdown of individual performances, the Chargers vs Texans match player stats reveal the players who made the biggest impact and why Houston advanced to the Divisional Round.
