The Houston Texans Come From Behind to Defeat Chargers 32-12

The Houston Texans stunned the Los Angeles Chargers with a dominant 32-12 victory in the opening round of the NFL playoffs, securing a spot in the Divisional Round. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, who had thrown just three interceptions during the regular season, was intercepted four times in this game alone. Houston’s defense was the standout, coming from behind to take control after a slow first half.

The game was 6-0 in favor of Los Angeles after two field goals but the Texans seized momentum just before halftime. Quarterback CJ Stroud after a near-fumble in his own end zone, recovered and orchestrated a series of big plays including a 37-yard pass to Nico Collins and a touchdown pass to Xavier Hutchinson. Houston then added a field goal to lead 10-6 at the break.

In the second half, the Texans’ defense dominated. They intercepted Herbert on two consecutive drives, returning the first for a touchdown to extend their lead to 20-6. A field goal followed, and despite a late 86-yard touchdown pass from Herbert to Ladd McConkey, Houston’s D’Angelo Ross blocked the extra point attempt and ran it back into the end zone to make it 25-12.

Joe Mixon sealed the game with a 17-yard touchdown run, finishing with 106 rushing yards. Collins contributed 122 receiving yards and cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. made two key interceptions. The win marked a statement victory for the Houston Texans, who advanced to face their next opponent in the Divisional Round of the playoffs.