Stroud's 5 TDs Power Texans Past Chargers 44-22

A Dominant Display in Inglewood

The Houston Texans delivered a comprehensive offensive performance on Sunday, November 8, 2026, dismantling the Los Angeles Chargers 44-22 at SoFi Stadium. Led by quarterback C.J. Stroud’s five touchdown passes, Houston improved its record to 3-5, while the home team fell to 0-8.

Stroud was surgical throughout the contest, completing 21 of 35 passes for 384 yards. Despite throwing one interception, his connection with the receiving corps was unstoppable. Kayshon Boutte led the way with four catches for 125 yards and two touchdowns, including a pair of long gains that helped build insurmountable leads.

Stroud also found Tank Dell for a 63-yard score and Nico Collins for a 13-yard touchdown, showcasing the vertical threat Houston posed from the opening drive.

First Half: Texans Build Early Lead

Houston established control early, scoring first on a 17-yard pass from Stroud to Xavier Hutchinson. The Chargers’ offense struggled to find rhythm, relying instead on placekicker Cameron Dicker to keep them within striking distance. Dicker connected on three field goals in the first half, including a 52-yarder and two shorter attempts, but could not match the Texans' explosive scoring.

Houston’s second half began with renewed intensity. After trailing 10-9 at halftime, the Texans exploded for 14 points in the third quarter, highlighted by Stroud’s touchdown pass to Nico Collins. By the start of the fourth quarter, Houston held a commanding 31-9 advantage, effectively putting the game out of reach.

Fourth Quarter: Continuation and Late Scores

The Texans added another touchdown early in the fourth quarter when Stroud found Boutte on a 63-yard pass, extending the lead to 38-9. The Chargers managed to score their only touchdown of the game late in the period on a 58-yard pass from Justin Herbert to Quentin Johnston, though their two-point conversion attempt failed. Herbert finished with 193 passing yards and one interception.

Houston’s offense continued to pile on points, with Stroud throwing his fifth touchdown pass later in the quarter. The Texans’ defense held firm, allowing only a late touchdown pass from DJ Uiagalelei to Derius Davis. Ka'imi Fairbairn kicked three field goals for Houston, including a 56-yarder in the first quarter and a game-sealing 41-yard kick.

Final Numbers and Records

Woody Marks contributed on the ground for Houston with 70 rushing yards on 18 carries. For Los Angeles, Omarion Hampton added 60 rushing yards on 13 attempts. The final score of 44-22 reflected Houston’s dominance in both phases of the game. With the loss, the Chargers remain winless at 0-8, while the Texans improve to 3-5 on the season.

Sources

ESPN