C.J. Stroud threw for 384 yards and five touchdowns as the Houston Texans defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 44–22 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Sunday, November 8.
Houston improved to 3–5 after returning from its bye, while the Chargers fell to 0–8. The Texans have won three of their past four games after opening the season with four consecutive defeats.
The decisive separation came late in the first half. Los Angeles had cut Houston’s advantage to 10–9 with three Cameron Dicker field goals, but the Texans answered with touchdown passes to Tank Dell and Kayshon Boutte to lead 24–9 at halftime.
Stroud added a scoring pass to Nico Collins in the third quarter and another to Boutte early in the fourth. Boutte’s second touchdown pushed Houston’s lead to 38–9, leaving the Chargers facing a substantial deficit before their late scores.
Los Angeles reached the end zone on passes to Quentin Johnston and Derius Davis in the fourth quarter. Houston added two field goals to complete the scoring.
The Texans finished with 485 total net yards. Stroud’s passing total was the highest the Chargers had allowed to a quarterback this season, according to the team’s game recap.
The Chargers had opportunities to change the first-half momentum. An interception by Daiyan Henley gave their offense favorable field position, but Los Angeles settled for another field goal before Houston’s touchdown surge.
Los Angeles next visits Baltimore for a Monday night game. Houston’s next opponent is Cleveland.
Sources: Los Angeles Chargers — Official Week 9 Game Recap. Houston Chronicle — November 8 Game Reporting.