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C.J. Stroud threw five touchdown passes as the Houston Texans pulled away for a 44-22 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
Houston improved to 4-5, while Los Angeles dropped to 0-9.
Stroud’s first-half passing
INGLEWOOD, CA - NOVEMBER 08: Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (1) runs in a pass for a touchdown during an NFL game between the Houston Texans and the Los Angeles Chargers on November 8, 2026, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. (Photo by Karl An
What we know:
The Texans took control early, scoring on a 17-yard touchdown pass from Stroud to Xavier Hutchinson in the first quarter. Ka’imi Fairbairn added a 56-yard field goal, giving Houston a 10-3 lead after the opening period.
The Chargers cut the deficit to 10-9 with three field goals, but Houston answered with two touchdowns late in the second quarter. Stroud connected with Tank Dell for a 63-yard score before finding Boutte for a 12-yard touchdown with 31 seconds remaining in the half.
Houston led 24-9 at halftime.
Houston defense and ground attack
Inglewood, CA - November 08: Houston Texans safety Calen Bullock (2) and cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (24) break up a pass intended for Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tre' Harris (9) during the first half of an NFL football game at Sofi Stadium
Dig deeper:
The Texans extended their lead in the third quarter after Derek Stingley Jr. intercepted Justin Herbert. Houston turned the takeaway into a 13-yard touchdown pass from Stroud to Nico Collins.
Stroud then found Boutte for a 63-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter, putting Houston ahead 38-9.
Herbert answered with a 58-yard touchdown pass to Quentin Johnston, but the Chargers could not overcome the deficit as the Texans added two more field goals and the Chargers scored its final touchdown on a 15-yard pass from backup quarterback DJ Uiagalelei.
Both teams turned to their backup quarterbacks late in the game. Davis Mills replaced Stroud for Houston, while Uiagalelei took over for Herbert.
Stroud’s record-setting performance
By the numbers:
Stroud completed 21 of 35 passes for 384 yards, five touchdowns and one interception. Boutte had four catches for 125 yards and two touchdowns. Dell added four receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown.
The Texans finished with 485 total yards.
Houston’s defense recorded eight sacks, with Sheldon Rankins, Jadeveon Clowney and Will Anderson Jr. each recording two. The Texans also forced two turnovers.
What's next:
The Texans have now won three of their last four games, after starting the season 0-4. They take on the Cleveland Browns, in Cleveland, next week.
The Source: Information in this article was provided by live coverage of the game.