The Houston Texans beat the Los Angeles Chargers 20-16 on Saturday to clinch an NFL play-off spot for a third straight year. Despite a late fightback from the Chargers, CJ Stroud's 75-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Higgins and 43-yard scoring pass to Jaylin Noel in the opening six minutes ultimately proved to be the difference as the Texans made it eight straight wins. The result keeps the Texans' hopes of winning the AFC South alive and also eliminates division rivals Indianapolis Colts, who started the season 7-1, from play-off contention. Defeat for the Chargers, who were already through to the play-offs, guarantees the AFC West title for the Denver Broncos. Elsewhere on Saturday, Derrick Henry rushed for a season-high 216 yards and four touchdowns as the Baltimore Ravens kept their hopes of making the play-offs alive by beating the Green Bay Packers.

Source: BBC December 28, 2025 12:20 UTC