Texans’ defense swarms Chargers after offense’s fast start in playoff-clinching victory
December 27, 2025
C.J Stroud’s dynamic first quarter was merely the opening act for the Houston Texans. It was the defense that was a headliner once again. The Texans had five sacks in their 20-16 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday that extended Houston’s winning streak to eight and clinched a third consecutive playoff berth for the first time in franchise history. Defensive end Derek Barnett had two of Houston’s five sacks after he entered with three over the first 15 games. Houston entered Week 17 as the NFL leader in yards allowed at 273.3 per game as well as points allowed with 16.6 per game.