Chargers vs Texans Match Player Stats

The NFL Wild Card Round game on January 11, 2025, between the Chargers vs Texans Match Player  was a thrilling showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats. The Texans came out on top with a commanding 32-12 victory, advancing to the AFC Divisional Round. This game was defined by standout performances, costly mistakes, and a dominant second half by Houston. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just curious about the numbers behind the game, this article dives into the key player stats, highlights, and what made this matchup so unforgettable. Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to follow for everyone!

Game Overview: Chargers vs Texans Match Player Stats

The Chargers, with an 11-6 regular season record, faced off against the 10-7 Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston. Despite Los Angeles being favored by bettors, Houston’s balanced offense and relentless defense turned the tide. The first half was close, with the Chargers leading 6-0 for much of it. However, a late touchdown by the Texans shifted momentum, and they exploded for 22 points in the second half while holding the Chargers to just 6. The final score of 32-12 reflected Houston’s ability to capitalize on mistakes and control both sides of the ball.

Key team stats tell the story:

• Total Yards: Texans 429, Chargers 261

• Turnovers: Chargers 4, Texans 3

• Time of Possession: Texans 34:25, Chargers 25:35

• First Downs: Texans 20, Chargers 15

Now, let’s dive into the individual player performances that shaped this game, starting with the quarterbacks.

Quarterback : Stroud Shines, Herbert Struggles

C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans)

C.J. Stroud, the Texans’ second-year quarterback, showed why he’s one of the NFL’s rising stars. Despite a rocky start with an interception and a fumble by his teammate, Stroud settled in and led a pivotal 99-yard touchdown drive just before halftime. He finished the game with:

• Completions/Attempts: 22/33 (66.7%)

• Passing Yards: 282

• Touchdowns: 1 (to Nico Collins)

• Interceptions: 1

• Passer Rating: 87.7

• Key Moment: Stroud’s 13-yard touchdown pass to Nico Collins gave Houston a 7-6 lead late in the first half, a lead they never relinquished.

Stroud’s poise under pressure was evident, especially when targeting Collins, where he achieved a perfect 158.3 passer rating. His ability to recover from early mistakes and make big plays, like a 34-yard pass to Xavier Hutchinson, sparked the Texans’ comeback.

Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers)

Justin Herbert, known for his strong arm and cool demeanor, had a day to forget. The Chargers’ quarterback threw more interceptions in this game than he did in the entire regular season (3). Houston’s defense pressured him on 52.8% of his dropbacks, leading to a career-worst performance:

• Completions/Attempts: 14/32 (43.8%)

• Passing Yards: 242

• Touchdowns: 1 (86-yard pass to Ladd McConkey)

• Interceptions: 4

• Sacks: 4 (31 yards lost)

• Passer Rating: 46.6

• Key Moment: Herbert’s third interception, returned 38 yards for a touchdown by Eric Murray, gave Houston a 20-6 lead late in the third quarter.

Herbert’s struggles were compounded by drops from his receivers and a lack of support from his offensive line. Despite the 86-yard touchdown to McConkey, his four turnovers were too much for the Chargers to overcome.

Running Back Stats: Joe Mixon Grinds It Out

Joe Mixon (Houston Texans)

Joe Mixon was the workhorse for Houston’s ground game, providing balance to Stroud’s passing attack. His physical running style wore down the Chargers’ defense, especially in the second half. Mixon’s stats included:

• Carries: 25

• Rushing Yards: 106

• Yards per Carry: 4.2

• Touchdowns: 1 (17-yard run)

• Key Moment: Mixon’s 17-yard touchdown run with 3:47 left in the fourth quarter sealed the 32-12 victory.

Mixon also had a fumble, his first in over 1,000 touches, but redeemed himself with a bruising 91 yards on 19 carries in the second half. His ability to break tackles and keep the clock moving was crucial in preserving Houston’s lead.

Chargers’ Running Game

The Chargers’ running game was virtually nonexistent, as they leaned heavily on Herbert’s passing. J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards combined for:

• Carries: 12

• Rushing Yards: 37

• Yards per Carry: 3.1

• Touchdowns: 0

Houston’s defensive front, led by Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr., stuffed the run early, forcing the Chargers into a one-dimensional offense.

Wide Receiver Stats: Nico Collins and Ladd McConkey Stand Out

Nico Collins (Houston Texans)

Nico Collins was Stroud’s go-to target and set a Texans playoff record with his receiving performance. His ability to make big catches kept drives alive and shifted the game’s momentum:

• Receptions: 7

• Receiving Yards: 122

• Yards per Catch: 17.4

• Touchdowns: 1 (13-yard catch)

• Key Moment: Collins’ 37-yard reception on the 99-yard drive set up his touchdown, giving Houston the lead.

Collins’ dominance against the Chargers’ secondary, including All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., showcased his breakout season. He surpassed DeAndre Hopkins’ franchise playoff record of 118 receiving yards.

Ladd McConkey (Los Angeles Chargers)

Rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey was a bright spot for the Chargers despite the loss. He made the most of his targets, including a highlight-reel touchdown:

• Receptions: 4

• Receiving Yards: 123

• Yards per Catch: 30.8

• Touchdowns: 1 (86-yard catch)

• Key Moment: McConkey’s 86-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter cut the deficit to 23-12, but a blocked extra point kept the Chargers trailing.

McConkey’s performance showed promise, but he got little help from teammates like Quentin Johnston, who had zero catches on five targets.

Defensive Stats: Texans’ Secondary and Pass Rush Steal the Show

Houston Texans Defense

Houston’s defense was the game’s MVP, forcing four turnovers and pressuring Herbert relentlessly. Key performers included:

• Derek Stingley Jr. (CB): 2 interceptions, 5 tackles

• Eric Murray (S): 1 interception, 38-yard pick-six

• Kamari Lassiter (CB): 1 interception

• Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr.: Combined for 3 sacks, 6 QB hits

The Texans sacked Herbert four times and hit him nine times, disrupting his rhythm. Stingley’s two interceptions, including one late in the fourth quarter, sealed the game. Murray’s pick-six was the turning point, giving Houston a two-score lead they never relinquished.

Los Angeles Chargers Defense

The Chargers’ defense started strong, forcing a fumble by John Metchie and an interception by Derwin James Jr. (later reversed). However, they faded in the second half:

• Derwin James Jr. (S): 1 fumble recovery, 7 tackles

• Alohi Gilman (S): 1 forced fumble, 5 tackles

• Tuli Tuipulotu (LB): 1 sack, 3 tackles

Injuries to linebacker Denzel Perryman (elbow) and cornerback Cam Hart (shoulder) hurt the Chargers’ depth. They couldn’t stop Mixon’s runs or Collins’ big catches in the second half.

Special Teams: A Rare Two-Point Play

Special teams played a role in Houston’s victory. Kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn was perfect, going 3-for-3 on field goals (41, 37, and 44 yards) and 3-for-3 on extra points. The game’s most unusual moment came when the Chargers’ extra point after McConkey’s touchdown was blocked, and Houston’s Neville Hewitt returned it for a defensive two-point conversion, making the score 25-12.

For the Chargers, Cameron Dicker made 2-of-2 field goals (35 and 39 yards) but had his extra point blocked, a costly mistake in a game decided by 20 points.

Key Moments That Defined the Game

1. Texans’ 99-Yard Drive: Down 6-0, Stroud led a 99-yard touchdown drive, capped by a 13-yard pass to Collins, to take a 7-6 lead.

2. Eric Murray’s Pick-Six: Murray’s 38-yard interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter gave Houston a 20-6 lead.

3. Herbert’s Four Interceptions: Herbert’s career-high four picks, including two by Stingley, crushed the Chargers’ comeback hopes.

4. Mixon’s Dagger: Mixon’s 17-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter put the game out of reach at 32-12.

5. Blocked Extra Point: Houston’s two-point return after blocking Dicker’s extra point added insult to injury for the Chargers.

Chargers vs Texans Match Player Stats Table

Player	Team	Position	Key Stats
C.J. Stroud	Texans	QB	22/33, 282 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Justin Herbert	Chargers	QB	14/32, 242 yards, 1 TD, 4 INT, 4 sacks
Joe Mixon	Texans	RB	25 carries, 106 yards, 1 TD
J.K. Dobbins	Chargers	RB	8 carries, 25 yards
Nico Collins	Texans	WR	7 receptions, 122 yards, 1 TD
Ladd McConkey	Chargers	WR	4 receptions, 123 yards, 1 TD
Derek Stingley Jr.	Texans	CB	2 INT, 5 tackles
Eric Murray	Texans	S	1 INT, 38-yard TD return
Derwin James Jr.	Chargers	S	1 fumble recovery, 7 tackles
Ka’imi Fairbairn	Texans	K	3/3 FG, 3/3 XP
Cameron Dicker	Chargers	K	2/2 FG, 0/1 XP (blocked)

Why the Texans Won: A Balanced Attack

Houston’s victory boiled down to three factors:

1. Opportunistic Defense: Four interceptions, including a pick-six, and four sacks turned the game in Houston’s favor.

2. Balanced Offense: Stroud’s 282 passing yards paired with Mixon’s 106 rushing yards kept the Chargers’ defense guessing.

3. Second-Half Dominance: The Texans outscored the Chargers 22-6 after halftime, capitalizing on turnovers and long drives.

The Chargers, despite a strong regular season under first-year coach Jim Harbaugh, couldn’t overcome Herbert’s turnovers and a lack of offensive rhythm. Injuries and a quiet running game didn’t help their cause.

What’s Next for Both Teams?

The Texans advance to the AFC Divisional Round, where they’ll face a tougher opponent (opponent TBD based on other Wild Card results). With Stroud, Collins, and a fierce defense, Houston looks poised to make noise in the playoffs.

For the Chargers, the loss stings, but the 11-6 season under Harbaugh was a step forward. Herbert will look to bounce back, and young talents like McConkey give hope for 2025. However, addressing their receiving corps and offensive line will be key in the offseason.

Final Thoughts

The Chargers vs Texans Match Player Stats Wild Card game was a masterclass in seizing opportunities. Houston’s defense exposed Herbert’s rare mistakes, while Stroud and Collins provided just enough offensive firepower. Mixon’s gritty runs and a rare special teams play sealed the deal. This game was a reminder that playoffs are about execution, and the Texans delivered when it mattered most.