The Houston Texans will face off against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 27, 2025, at 3:30 PM Central Time. The game, to be broadcast on NFL Network, holds significant playoff implications and serves as a rematch following the Texans’ victory in last year’s AFC wild-card playoff.
Both teams are gearing up for what promises to be an intense encounter at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The Texans, who emerged victorious in their previous meeting, will look to build on that momentum against the Chargers.
The spotlight will be on Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, a former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. In the last playoff matchup, Stroud showcased his resilience with a remarkable performance that turned the tide for his team. After a rocky start, which included an early interception and a fumble on the first play from scrimmage, Stroud made a pivotal play during the second quarter.
On a broken play, Stroud managed to recover a snap that had sailed past him, scrambling to complete a 34-yard pass to wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson. This unexpected play ignited the Texans’ offense, shifting the game’s momentum. Stroud, who finished that game with a passer rating of 90.7 after completing 22 of 33 passes for 282 yards and a touchdown, reflected on the importance of that moment.
“Even after I made the play, I was kind of mad at myself,” Stroud said. “I didn’t look at the snap, so it just went straight through my hands. Luckily, it bounced right back up to me.” The connection with Hutchinson not only energized the Texans but also set the stage for a subsequent 13-play, 99-yard drive that culminated in a touchdown pass to wide receiver Nico Collins.
The Texans’ defense also played a crucial role, recording four interceptions against the Chargers, while running back Joe Mixon contributed significantly with 106 rushing yards and a touchdown. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans praised Stroud’s ability to improvise under pressure, emphasizing the importance of such plays in high-stakes football.
“That’s what playoff football is about,” Ryans stated. “That was the play of the game that really created momentum for our entire team.”
As anticipation builds for the December 27 matchup, both teams will aim to solidify their playoff standings with a critical victory. The Texans hope to replicate their previous success against the Chargers, while Los Angeles will be eager to avenge last year’s defeat and secure a pivotal win as the season progresses.
As the game approaches, fans and analysts alike are preparing for what promises to be an exciting showdown between two competitive teams in the NFL landscape.
