Chargers vs Texans Match Player Stats

The 2025 NFL Wild Card Weekend kicked off with a thrilling matchup between the Chargers vs Texans Match Player Stats at NRG Stadium in Houston on January 11, 2025. The Texans emerged victorious with a commanding 32-12 win, advancing to the AFC Divisional Round for the second consecutive season. This game was a tale of two halves, with the Texans overcoming an early deficit to dominate the Chargers, thanks to stellar performances from key players and a relentless defense. In this article, we’ll break down the player stats, highlight standout performances, and provide an easy-to-read analysis of what made this game a memorable one. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just curious about the numbers, this guide is designed to be clear and engaging for readers of all ages.

Game Overview: Texans Take Control

The Chargers, led by first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh, entered the game with an 11-6 record, while the Texans, with a 10-7 record, hosted as the No. 4 seed in the AFC. The first half was competitive, with the Chargers leading 6-0 for much of the time. However, a late touchdown drive by Houston’s quarterback C.J. Stroud shifted the momentum, and the Texans never looked back. Their defense, led by All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and safety Eric Murray, forced four interceptions from Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, turning the game into a one-sided affair in the second half.

Let’s dive into the player stats and see who stood out in this exciting playoff clash.

Key Player Stats: Houston Texans

C.J. Stroud (Quarterback)

• Completions/Attempts: 22/33 (66.7% completion rate)

• Passing Yards: 282

• Touchdowns: 1

• Interceptions: 1

• Passer Rating: 91.7 (158.3 when targeting Nico Collins)

C.J. Stroud, the second-year quarterback and 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, showed poise beyond his 23 years. After a shaky start, including an interception to Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. (later reversed on review), Stroud settled in. His most critical moment came late in the second quarter when the Texans were backed up at their own 1-yard line, trailing 6-0. Stroud orchestrated a 99-yard drive, completing a 34-yard pass to Xavier Hutchinson and a 37-yard pass to Nico Collins, capping it with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Collins. This drive gave Houston a 7-6 lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Stroud’s ability to stay calm under pressure and deliver accurate throws was pivotal in the Texans’ victory.

Nico Collins (Wide Receiver)

• Receptions: 7

• Receiving Yards: 122

• Touchdowns: 1

• Yards After Catch (YAC): 48

Nico Collins was the star of the Texans’ offense, setting a new franchise playoff record for receiving yards, surpassing DeAndre Hopkins’ 118 yards from 2019. His 122 yards came on seven catches, including a crucial 13-yard touchdown just before halftime. Collins’ chemistry with Stroud was evident, as the quarterback achieved a perfect 158.3 passer rating when targeting him. Collins’ ability to gain yards after the catch and make big plays, like his 37-yard reception during the 99-yard drive, was a game-changer. His performance solidified his status as one of the NFL’s breakout stars in 2024.

Joe Mixon (Running Back)

• Carries: 25

• Rushing Yards: 106

• Touchdowns: 1

• Yards Per Carry: 4.2

Joe Mixon was the workhorse for Houston’s ground game, especially in the second half. His 17-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter sealed the Chargers’ fate, extending the Texans’ lead to 32-12. Mixon’s physical running style wore down the Chargers’ defense, with 91 of his 106 yards coming after halftime. Despite a fumble in the third quarter—his first lost fumble in 1,082 touches—Mixon bounced back, breaking tackles and keeping the clock moving to preserve Houston’s lead. His performance marked his second 100-yard rushing game in the playoffs.

Derek Stingley Jr. (Cornerback)

• Interceptions: 2

• Pass Deflections: 3

• Tackles: 5

Derek Stingley Jr., Houston’s All-Pro cornerback, was a nightmare for Justin Herbert. He snagged two of Herbert’s four interceptions, including one late in the fourth quarter that effectively ended any hope of a Chargers comeback. Stingley’s ability to read Herbert’s passes and lock down receivers was crucial in Houston’s defensive dominance. His second interception came off a tipped pass from tight end Will Dissly, showcasing his instincts and ball skills. Stingley’s performance underscored the Texans’ defensive mantra of forcing three turnovers per game, which they exceeded in this matchup.

Eric Murray (Safety)

• Interceptions: 1

• Touchdowns: 1 (38-yard pick-six)

• Tackles: 4

Eric Murray delivered the game’s defining moment with a 38-yard pick-six late in the third quarter. His interception of a high pass intended for Ladd McConkey gave Houston a 20-6 lead, a deficit the Chargers couldn’t overcome. Murray’s touchdown was his first career score, and his presence in the secondary added to the pressure on Herbert. This play was a turning point, shifting the game firmly in Houston’s favor.

Ka’imi Fairbairn (Kicker)

• Field Goals Made/Attempted: 2/2

• Extra Points Made/Attempted: 3/3

• Longest Field Goal: 41 yards

Ka’imi Fairbairn was perfect on the day, contributing 10 points with a 41-yard field goal before halftime and a 37-yard field goal in the third quarter. His reliability helped Houston maintain their lead, especially during a first half where the offense struggled to find rhythm.

Key Player Stats: Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert (Quarterback)

• Completions/Attempts: 14/32 (43.8% completion rate)

• Passing Yards: 242

• Touchdowns: 1

• Interceptions: 4

• Sacks Taken: 4 (31 yards lost)

• Passer Rating: 46.1

Justin Herbert had a day to forget, throwing four interceptions—one more than his entire regular-season total of three. The Texans’ pass rush, led by Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr., pressured Herbert on 19 of his 36 dropbacks (52.8%), forcing him into uncomfortable throws. His lone bright spot was an 86-yard touchdown pass to rookie Ladd McConkey in the fourth quarter, but it was too little, too late. Herbert’s four interceptions, including Murray’s pick-six and two by Stingley, were costly, and his completion percentage reflected the Texans’ defensive dominance. Herbert took responsibility post-game, saying, “I let the team down. You can’t turn over the ball like that and expect to win.”

Ladd McConkey (Wide Receiver)

• Receptions: 4

• Receiving Yards: 103

• Touchdowns: 1

• Yards After Catch: 32

Rookie Ladd McConkey was a bright spot for the Chargers despite the loss. His 86-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter accounted for most of his 103 receiving yards and showed his potential as a future star. However, Herbert’s struggles and a lack of support from other receivers limited McConkey’s impact. Drops and poor route-running by teammates, like Quentin Johnston’s failure to convert on a critical fourth-and-2, didn’t help. McConkey’s performance was a silver lining in an otherwise disappointing day for the Chargers’ offense.

Cameron Dicker (Kicker)

• Field Goals Made/Attempted: 2/2

• Extra Points Made/Attempted: 0/1 (blocked)

• Longest Field Goal: 39 yards

Cameron Dicker was reliable on field goals, converting a 35-yard kick in the first quarter and a 39-yard kick later in the game. However, his extra-point attempt after McConkey’s touchdown was blocked, and the Texans’ special teams returned it for a rare two-point conversion, making the score 25-12. This sequence was a microcosm of the Chargers’ struggles, as even their small successes were overshadowed by mistakes.

Derwin James Jr. (Safety)

• Tackles: 7

• Forced Fumbles: 1

• Fumble Recoveries: 1

Derwin James Jr. was a force early in the game, forcing and recovering a fumble from Texans receiver John Metchie III on Houston’s first offensive play. He also nearly had an interception on a Stroud pass, though it was overturned on review. James’ energy kept the Chargers in the game early, but the defense couldn’t sustain its momentum as Houston’s offense found its groove.

Quentin Johnston (Wide Receiver)

• Receptions: 0

• Targets: 5

• Yards: 0

Second-year wide receiver Quentin Johnston had a rough day, failing to catch any of his five targets. His most glaring mistake came on a fourth-and-2 in the third quarter, where he ran a route short of the first-down marker against Stingley, resulting in an incomplete pass and a turnover on downs. Johnston’s struggles highlighted the Chargers’ lack of reliable receiving options beyond McConkey.

Team Chargers vs Texans Match Player Stats Comparison

Category	Chargers	Texans
Total Points	12	32
Total Yards	289	378
Passing Yards	242	282
Rushing Yards	47	96
Turnovers	4	2
Sacks Allowed	4	1
Third-Down Conversions	3/12 (25%)	5/13 (38%)
Time of Possession	27:14	32:46

The Texans outgained the Chargers in total yards (378 to 289) and controlled the clock, holding the ball for over 32 minutes. Their defense was relentless, sacking Herbert four times and hitting him nine more, while their offense capitalized on short fields created by turnovers. The Chargers’ four turnovers compared to Houston’s two were a deciding factor, as was their inability to convert on third downs.

Standout Moments and Turning Points

1. Texans’ 99-Yard Drive: Trailing 6-0 late in the second quarter, Stroud led a 99-yard touchdown drive, connecting with Hutchinson and Collins for big gains before hitting Collins for the score. This drive flipped the game’s momentum.

2. Eric Murray’s Pick-Six: Murray’s 38-yard interception return for a touchdown late in the third quarter gave Houston a 20-6 lead, effectively putting the game out of reach.

3. Herbert’s Nightmare Day: Herbert’s four interceptions, including two by Stingley and one returned for a touchdown, were uncharacteristic and crushed the Chargers’ hopes.

4. Mixon’s Dagger: Joe Mixon’s 17-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter extended Houston’s lead to 20 points, sealing the victory.

5. Blocked Extra Point: The Chargers’ failed extra point after McConkey’s touchdown, followed by a Texans’ two-point return, highlighted their special teams’ woes.

Why the Texans Won

The Texans’ victory came down to three key factors:

• Defensive Dominance: Houston’s defense, led by Stingley and Murray, forced four turnovers and pressured Herbert relentlessly. Their ability to capitalize on mistakes, like Murray’s pick-six, was game-changing.

• Stroud’s Poise: Despite early struggles, Stroud’s 282 passing yards and clutch plays, like the 99-yard drive, kept the offense on track.

• Balanced Attack: Mixon’s 106 rushing yards complemented Stroud’s passing, allowing Houston to control the game’s tempo and keep the Chargers’ defense guessing.

The Chargers, meanwhile, struggled with Herbert’s turnovers, a lack of receiving depth, and an inability to sustain their early defensive momentum. Coach Jim Harbaugh took accountability, saying, “They were the better team today. That’s on me.”

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

The Texans advance to the AFC Divisional Round, awaiting their opponent based on the outcome of other Wild Card games. With Stroud, Collins, and a stout defense, they’re a dangerous team capable of challenging the AFC’s elite. For the Chargers, the loss ends a promising 2024 season under Harbaugh. Despite Herbert’s struggles, his 242 yards and McConkey’s emergence offer hope for 2025. However, addressing their receiving corps and pass protection will be critical.

Final Thoughts

The Chargers vs Texans Match Player Stats was a showcase of defensive prowess and clutch offensive plays. C.J. Stroud and Nico Collins led the way for Houston, while Derek Stingley Jr. and Eric Murray turned the game with their defensive heroics. For the Chargers, Justin Herbert’s four interceptions and a lack of offensive support spelled doom. This game was a reminder of how quickly playoff momentum can shift and how critical turnovers are in high-stakes matchups.