Chargers vs Texans Match Player Stats

The NFL Wild Card Weekend of 2025 kicked off with an electrifying clash between the Chargers vs Texans Match Player Stats on January 11 at NRG Stadium in Houston. The Texans emerged victorious with a commanding 32-12 win, advancing to the Divisional Round for the second consecutive year. This game was a tale of two halves, with the Texans overcoming a sluggish start to dominate the second half, thanks to standout performances from key players and a relentless defense. In this article, we’ll break down the player stats, highlight the game’s defining moments, and provide an easy-to-read analysis that anyone can enjoy, whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just tuning in for the first time. Let’s dive into the numbers and stories behind this thrilling matchup!

Game Overview: Texans Dominate with Defense and Clutch Plays

The Chargers, led by first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh, entered the game with an 11-6 record, while the Texans, the No. 4 seed in the AFC, boasted a 10-7 record as division winners. Despite the Chargers being favored by bettors, the Texans flipped the script with a stellar defensive performance and timely offensive plays. Houston’s defense forced four turnovers, including a pick-six, while their offense, led by quarterback C.J. Stroud and wide receiver Nico Collins, found its rhythm in the second half. The Chargers, meanwhile, struggled with mistakes, particularly from quarterback Justin Herbert, who had a day to forget.

Below, we’ll break down the key player stats for both teams, focusing on passing, rushing, receiving, and defensive contributions. We’ve included a table for quick reference and detailed insights to bring the game to life.

Key Team Chargers vs Texans Match Player Stats at a Glance

Before diving into individual performances, let’s look at the overall team stats that shaped the game:

Stat	Chargers	Texans
Total Yards	261	429
Turnovers	4	3
First Downs	15	20
Possession Time	25:35	34:25

The Texans’ dominance in total yards and possession time reflects their ability to control the game, especially in the second half. The Chargers’ four turnovers, compared to Houston’s three, proved costly, as the Texans capitalized on these mistakes to pull away.

Passing Stats: Stroud Shines, Herbert Struggles

Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud’s Poise Under Pressure

C.J. Stroud, the second-year quarterback and 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, showed why he’s one of the league’s rising stars. Despite a rocky start that included an interception and a fumble recovery on his own miscue, Stroud settled down and delivered when it mattered most. He completed 22 of 33 passes (66.7%) for 282 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception. His most critical moment came late in the first half, when he orchestrated a 99-yard drive, connecting with wide receiver Nico Collins for a 13-yard touchdown that gave Houston a 7-6 lead they never relinquished.

Stroud’s ability to make big plays was evident in his 34-yard pass to Xavier Hutchinson and a 37-yard strike to Collins during that pivotal drive. His perfect 158.3 passer rating when targeting Collins underscored their chemistry, which proved to be a game-changer. Stroud’s performance wasn’t flawless, but his composure in the face of early adversity helped the Texans stay alive in the playoffs.

Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert’s Nightmare Day

On the other side, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert had a game he’d rather forget. Known for his precision and low turnover rate (just three interceptions in the regular season), Herbert threw a career-high four interceptions against the Texans, surpassing his regular-season total in a single game. He completed 14 of 32 passes (43.8%) for 242 yards, with one touchdown and those costly four picks. Herbert was under constant pressure, facing pressure on 19 of 36 dropbacks (52.8%) and getting sacked four times for a loss of 31 yards.

His lone bright spot was an 86-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey in the fourth quarter, which briefly cut the Texans’ lead to 23-12. However, the blocked extra point that followed, returned for two points by Houston’s special teams, symbolized the Chargers’ struggles. Herbert later admitted, “I let the team down. You can’t turn over the ball like that and expect to win.”

Rushing Stats: Joe Mixon Grinds It Out

Houston Texans: Joe Mixon’s Workhorse Performance

Running back Joe Mixon was a key factor in Houston’s ability to control the clock and close out the game. He carried the ball 25 times for 106 yards, averaging 4.2 yards per carry, and scored a crucial 17-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter that sealed the 32-12 victory. Mixon’s physical running style was on full display, as he broke tackles and powered through defenders, particularly in the second half. His 91 yards on 19 carries after halftime helped the Texans chew up nearly seven minutes of clock in a 13-point game, effectively putting the game out of reach.

Mixon’s performance marked his second 100-yard rushing game in the playoffs, showcasing his value as a reliable workhorse when the Texans needed to lean on their ground game.

Los Angeles Chargers: Limited Ground Attack

The Chargers’ rushing attack was underwhelming, contributing to their offensive struggles. They managed just 61 rushing yards on 17 carries, averaging 3.6 yards per attempt. Running back J.K. Dobbins led the team with 12 carries for 45 yards, but the lack of a consistent ground game forced Herbert to rely heavily on the passing game, where he faced relentless pressure from Houston’s defensive front. The Chargers’ inability to establish the run limited their offensive balance and made it easier for the Texans’ defense to focus on stopping the pass.

Receiving Stats: Nico Collins Steals the Show

Houston Texans: Nico Collins Breaks Records

Wide receiver Nico Collins was the standout performer for the Texans’ passing game, setting a new franchise playoff record with 122 receiving yards on seven catches, including a 13-yard touchdown. His connection with Stroud was electric, as evidenced by Stroud’s perfect passer rating when targeting him. Collins’ big plays, including a 37-yard reception during the 99-yard drive, sparked Houston’s offense and shifted momentum before halftime.

Collins’ performance was a continuation of his breakout 2024 season, and his ability to get open against the Chargers’ secondary was a key factor in Houston’s success. Other contributors included Xavier Hutchinson, who caught a 34-yard pass, and John Metchie, who had a fumble but still managed a few key receptions.

Los Angeles Chargers: Ladd McConkey’s Bright Spot

Rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey was a rare highlight for the Chargers, hauling in three catches for 103 yards, including the 86-yard touchdown that accounted for most of Herbert’s passing yards. However, McConkey got little help from his teammates. Second-year receiver Quentin Johnston struggled, failing to record a catch on five targets, including a critical drop on a fourth-and-2 play that could have kept a drive alive. The Chargers’ receiving corps, hampered by drops and a lack of depth, couldn’t provide the support Herbert needed to overcome the Texans’ defense.

Defensive Stats: Texans’ Turnovers Steal the Show

Houston Texans: A Turnover-Forcing Machine

The Texans’ defense was the story of the game, forcing four turnovers and scoring 10 points directly off Herbert’s interceptions. All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. was a standout, grabbing two interceptions, including one late in the fourth quarter that sealed the Chargers’ fate. Safety Eric Murray delivered the game’s defining moment with a 38-yard pick-six late in the third quarter, giving Houston a 20-6 lead that proved insurmountable.

The Texans’ pass rush was relentless, sacking Herbert four times and hitting him nine times. Defensive ends Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr., who combined for 23 sacks in the regular season, were instrumental in disrupting Herbert’s rhythm. Houston’s defense also forced a fumble from John Metchie, recovered by Chargers safety Derwin James, but the Texans’ three turnovers were less damaging than the Chargers’ four, as Houston’s offense capitalized on their opportunities.

Los Angeles Chargers: Early Promise Fades

The Chargers’ defense started strong, forcing a fumble from Metchie on Houston’s first offensive play and intercepting Stroud once (though a second interception was overturned on review). Safety Derwin James Jr. and Alohi Gilman were active early, but the unit couldn’t sustain its momentum. The Chargers’ pass rush, which was effective early, faded in the second half, allowing Stroud to find his groove. Linebacker Denzel Perryman and cornerback Cam Hart left the game with injuries, further weakening the defense.

Special Teams: A Rare Two-Point Play

Special teams played a role in the game’s outcome, particularly in the fourth quarter. After Herbert’s 86-yard touchdown pass to McConkey, kicker Cameron Dicker’s extra-point attempt was blocked, and Houston’s special teams returned it for a defensive two-point conversion, making the score 25-12. Dicker was successful on two field goals (35 and 39 yards), but the blocked extra point was a momentum-killer. For Houston, kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn was reliable, hitting field goals of 41 and 37 yards and all three extra points.

Key Moments That Defined the Game

1. Texans’ 99-Yard Drive: Down 6-0 late in the second quarter, Stroud fumbled a snap at his own 1-yard line but recovered and led a 99-yard touchdown drive, capped by a 13-yard pass to Collins. This drive shifted momentum and gave Houston a 7-6 lead.

2. Eric Murray’s Pick-Six: With the Texans leading 13-6 late in the third quarter, Murray intercepted a high pass from Herbert and returned it 38 yards for a touchdown, extending the lead to 20-6.

3. Herbert’s Fourth Interception: Stingley’s second interception in the fourth quarter, off a tipped pass, ended any hope of a Chargers comeback.

4. Mixon’s Dagger: Joe Mixon’s 17-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-1 with 3:42 left put the game out of reach at 32-12.

Chargers vs Texans Match Player Stats Table

Here’s a comprehensive table summarizing the key player stats from the game:

Player	Team	Stats
C.J. Stroud	Texans	22/33, 282 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Justin Herbert	Chargers	14/32, 242 yards, 1 TD, 4 INT, 4 sacks
Joe Mixon	Texans	25 carries, 106 yards, 1 TD
J.K. Dobbins	Chargers	12 carries, 45 yards
Nico Collins	Texans	7 receptions, 122 yards, 1 TD
Ladd McConkey	Chargers	3 receptions, 103 yards, 1 TD
Derek Stingley Jr.	Texans	2 INT, 16 return yards
Eric Murray	Texans	1 INT, 38-yard pick-six
Ka’imi Fairbairn	Texans	2/2 FG (41, 37 yards), 3/3 XP
Cameron Dicker	Chargers	2/2 FG (35, 39 yards), 0/1 XP (blocked, returned for 2 points by Texans)

Why the Texans Won

The Texans’ victory came down to three key factors:

1. Defensive Dominance: Houston’s defense, led by Stingley and Murray, forced four turnovers and scored 10 points, including a pick-six and a defensive two-point conversion. Their pass rush overwhelmed the Chargers’ offensive line, making life difficult for Herbert.

2. Clutch Offensive Plays: Stroud’s 99-yard drive and Collins’ record-setting performance provided the spark Houston needed to overcome early offensive struggles. Mixon’s ground game sealed the deal in the second half.

3. Chargers’ Mistakes: Herbert’s four interceptions, combined with a blocked extra point and a lack of offensive balance, dug the Chargers into a hole they couldn’t climb out of.

What’s Next for Chargers vs Texans Match Player Stats Both Teams?

For the Texans, this win propels them into the AFC Divisional Round, where they’ll face a yet-to-be-determined opponent. With Stroud, Collins, and a ferocious defense, Houston has a chance to make a deep playoff run and reach the AFC Championship Game for the first time in franchise history.

The Chargers, meanwhile, head into the offseason with questions to answer. Despite a promising 11-6 season under Harbaugh, their playoff loss highlighted weaknesses in their receiving corps and offensive line. Herbert’s talent is undeniable, but he’ll need more support to end the Chargers’ postseason drought, which dates back to 2018.

Final Thoughts

The Chargers vs Texans Match Player Stats was a thrilling display of football, with the Texans’ defense and timely offensive plays stealing the show. Nico Collins and C.J. Stroud proved they’re a dynamic duo, while Joe Mixon’s gritty performance grounded the offense. For the Chargers, Justin Herbert’s struggles were a stark reminder of how turnovers can derail even the most talented teams. This game was a rollercoaster of emotions, and the stats tell the story of a Texans team that seized their moment and a Chargers squad that couldn’t overcome their mistakes.