The Chargers are now 11-5 after a 20-16 loss to Houston on Saturday at SoFi Stadium
Here's a game recap from Week 17:
Turning Point
The Chargers got off to a slow start and never recovered on Saturday.
The Bolts won the toss and kicked off, only to trail just three plays into the game as Houston scored on a 75-yard touchdown pass.
The Chargers offense then went three-and-out as the Texans started at their own 28-yard line. Houston quickly added to its lead with a 43-yard touchdown pass to put the Chargers in a 14-0 hole less than six minutes into the game.
The Bolts had their chances to rally, especially with a pair of second-quarter interceptions, but those drives that started in Texans territory only netted three points as Cameron Dicker made and missed short field-goal tries.
The Chargers also reached the red zone earlier in the quarter but Justin Herbert's pass to Oronde Gadsden at the goal line was tipped in the air and intercepted.
Houston added to its lead with a third-quarter as they Bolts put together a second-half rally that began with Herbert hitting Gadsden for a 1-yard score.
A poor punt from the Chargers later helped Houston adds to its lead as strong field position led to a Texans field goal.
Down 20-10, the Chargers drove down into the red zone before Omarion Hampton cut into the lead with a 5-yard touchdown run. But Dicker's extra point was wide left to prevent the Bolts from making it a three-point game.
The Chargers defense appeared to make a stop late in the fourth quarter but the Bolts were called for a defensive penalty that allowed the Texans to ice the game.
Top Play
Herbert carried the Chargers offense on his back on Saturday.
Down by two scores in the third quarter, Herbert sparked the unit with a bruising 28-yard run that eventually led to a touchdown.
Herbert's run was his fourth of the season of at least 25 yards. For reference, that's the same number as Saquon Barkley and double the amount from Ashton Jeanty.
Key Stat
The Chargers pass defense entered Week 17 as one of the league's best units.
But they were simply uncharacteristic in the opening quarter as the Texans hit on a pair of long touchdown passes.
The Bolts had allowed two passing scores of 30-plus air yards through the first 15 games before allowing two against Houston.
The Chargers has also given up just 14 passing touchdowns all season entering Saturday.
Scoring Summary
| Scoring Play | Score | |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Quarter | Texans: (13:20) 75-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Higgins from C.J. Stroud | 7-0, Texans |
| Texans: (9:17) 43-yard touchdown pass to Jaylin Noel from C.J. Stroud | 14-0, Texans | |
| 2nd Quarter | Chargers (6:10) 27-yard field goal from Cameron Dicker | 14-3, Texans |
| 3rd Quarter | Texans (6:04) 41-yard field goal from Ka'imi Fairbairn | 17-3, Texans |
| Chargers (0:13) 1-yard touchdown pass to Oronde Gadsden from Justin Herbert | 17-10, Texans | |
| 4th Quarter | Texans (6:29) 44-yard field goal from Ka'imi Fairbairn | 20-10, Texans |
| Chargers (3:37) 5-yard touchdown run from Omarion Hampton (kick failed) | 20-16, Texans |
Up Next
The Chargers will now turn their attention to the regular-season finale on the road against the Denver Broncos.
The date and time for the Week 18 game will be announced Sunday night.
The Broncos are 13-3 after Thursday's win over the Chiefs. The Chargers defeated Denver at home back in Week 3 with a 23-30 walk-off win.
