Story byLos Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) runs the ball for a gain during a NFL game against the Houston Texans on December 027, 2025 at Sofi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. Fernando RamirezSun, December 28, 2025 at 2:19 AM UTC·8 min readThe Chargers have leaned on their defense all season long, and Saturday night was no different against C. J. Stroud and the Houston Texans. With 2:32 left in the fourth quarter, Stroud faced 3rd-and-9 from his own 46-yard line when Odafe Oweh and Daiyan Henley brought him down for a sack. Referees blew the play dead and signaled a penalty on the Chargers defense, allowing the Texans to maintain their 20-16 lead and ultimately clinch a playoff spot. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFor the Chargers, the loss eliminated them from AFC West contention, as the Denver Broncos clinched the division crown, ending a 10-year run by the Kansas City Chiefs. This loss was on all three phases. The defense surrendered 14 quick points, the offense couldn’t find a rhythm until late in the third quarter, and Cameron Dicker missed both a field goal and an extra point. Dicker missed his first kick inside the 40-yard line of his career, and it came at a crucial moment of the season.
