On January 11, 2025, the Houston Texans dominated the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC Wild Card Round, securing a 32–12 victory that featured remarkable individual performances chargers vs texans match player stats. Here’s an in-depth look at how key players delivered, turning this playoff matchup into a statement game .
Quarterback Performances
Justin Herbert (Chargers)
Herbert’s night was a tough one:
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Passing: 14/32, 242 yards, 1 touchdown, 4 interceptions, 4 sacks, QBR 40.9 ESPN.comChargersCBSSports.com.
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His four interceptions were a glaring issue—tying and setting career milestones as spaces opened up under pressure. Match Player StatsCBSSports.comBattle Red BlogBildNew York Post.
C.J. Stroud (Texans)
Stroud was composed and efficient:
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Passing: 22/33, 282 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception, QBR 90.7 ESPN.comHouston ChronicleDiario ASBattle Red Blog.
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His resilience shone through—he overcame a bad snap and delivered a key TD drive. Houston Chronicle.
Rushing Highlights
Chargers Running Backs
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J.K. Dobbins: 9 carries, 26 yards, 2.9 avg ESPN.comChargers.
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Gus Edwards: 7 carries, 22 yards, 3.1 avg ESPN.comChargers.
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Limited impact on the ground as the Texans’ defense dominated.
Texans Rushing Excellence
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Joe Mixon: 25 carries, 106 yards, 4.2 avg, 1 TD ESPN.comHouston ChronicleChargers.
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Added balance to Houston’s offensive attack, complementing Stroud and helping maintain control in later quarters.
Receiving Leaders
Chargers
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Ladd McConkey: 9 catches, 197 yards (including an 86-yard reception), 1 TD. Set the NFL rookie postseason record for receiving yards. ChargersWikipedia+1Battle Red BlogDiario AS.
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Secondary contributors:
Texans
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Nico Collins: 7 catches, 122 yards, 1 TD. A consistent force when healthy. ESPN.comWikipediaDiario ASHouston Chronicle.
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Additional contributors:
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Xavier Hutchinson: 1 catch, 34 yards
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Jalen Metchie III: 4 catches, 28 yards
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Cade Stover: 4 catches, 28 yards
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Denzel Johnson: 1 catch, 12 yards
ESPN.comChargers.
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Defensive and Special Teams Impact
Chargers Defense/Stands
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No standout defensive stats—but the unit couldn’t contain Houston’s pressure or turnovers.
Chargers totaled 261 total net yards, while the Texans amassed 429, including 86 penalty yards versus just 10 for LA. Houston also controlled time of possession (34:25 to 25:35). ChargersNew York Post.
Texans Defensive Stars
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Interceptions (Justin Herbert): Four takeaways, including two by Derek Stingley Jr. CBSSports.comNew York PostDiario ASBattle Red Blog.
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Eric Murray: Return touchdown off an interception.
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D’Angelo Ross: Scored a defensive two-point conversion after blocking a PAT. CBSSports.comBildWikipedia.
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The defense’s dominance turned the tide and sealed the Chargers’ fate.
Team and Historical Context
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The postgame score, 32–12, is now a unique final score or “scorigami.” Wikipedia.
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This was the first postseason meeting between the two franchises. WikipediaFootball DB+1.
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The Chargers entered with an 11–6 record (6–3 away), while the Texans were 10–7 at home. ESPN.com.
Performance Summary Table
| Team | Player | Stat Line | Impact Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chargers | Justin Herbert | 14/32, 242 yds, 1 TD, 4 INTs, 4 sacks, QBR 40.9 | Turnovers killed Chargers’ momentum |
| Texans | C.J. Stroud | 22/33, 282 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT, QBR 90.7 | Efficient, clutch passing shifted momentum |
| Chargers | Ladd McConkey | 9 rec, 197 yds, 1 TD | Rookie record postseason yards |
| Texans | Nico Collins | 7 rec, 122 yds, 1 TD | Key cog in Houston’s receiving attack |
| Chargers | Team Offense | 261 total yards | Limited yardage vs. Houston’s top defense |
| Texans | Team Defense | 4 INTs, defensive TD, 2-pt conversion | Game-defining performance |
| Texans | Joe Mixon | 25 rush, 106 yds, 1 TD | Balanced Houston’s offense |
Why These Stats Matter
This matchup was a statement from Houston: they leveraged their defense to dominate and controlled the clock with a balanced offense. Stroud’s calm, efficient passing complemented by Mixon’s timely runs made for a potent combo. On the Chargers’ side, missed opportunities and critical mistakes—Herbert’s interceptions and limited rushing productivity—proved too big to overcome.
Notably, McConkey’s breakout performance offered a bright spot for LA, hinting at a promising future despite the loss. For the Texans, Collins and Mixon reinforced their status as offensive threats capable of breaking games open when protecting Houston’s younger QB.
Looking Ahead
The win propelled the Texans into the Divisional Round, setting up a clash with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chargers, in contrast, saw their season end abruptly—raising tough questions for future offensive support and decision-making in high-stakes NFL moments.
