The Houston Texans defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 44-22 at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
Quarterback C.J. Stroud led the offensive assault with five touchdown passes, handing the Chargers their eighth loss of the season and cementing their status as the only winless team in the NFL.
Houston’s victory brings the team to a 3-5 record, signaling a potential upward trajectory after a difficult 0-4 start to the season. According to BVM Sports, the Texans have now won three of their last four games. For the Chargers, the loss extends an 11-game skid dating back to the previous season, leaving the franchise in a winless position as they navigate a lack of momentum.
Stroud’s performance was the catalyst for the rout, as he completed 21 of 35 passes for 384 yards and a single interception. His five scoring strikes were distributed among Xavier Hutchinson, Tank Dell, Nico Collins, and Kayshon Boutte, who hauled in two.
Dell's return was a key story; his 63-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter marked his first score in 687 days, as reported by Quartz Media. Dell had missed the entire 2025 season following a left knee injury sustained in December 2024.
The Chargers’ afternoon was defined by relentless defensive pressure from Houston, which sacked quarterback Justin Herbert eight times. Herbert, who finished the game 13-of-23 for 193 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, was eventually replaced by backup D.J. Uiagalelei in the fourth quarter after sustaining an apparent hand injury.
The Chargers have now allowed 31 sacks on the season, a figure that shows the systemic failures currently plaguing the organization’s offensive protection.
Breaking the Touchdown Drought
Despite the lopsided score, the Chargers did manage to end a historic offensive futility streak. Before a 58-yard pass from Herbert to Quentin Johnston in the second half, the team had gone 37 possessions without a touchdown. Their previous trip to the end zone occurred on October 11, 2026, during a run by Kimani Vidal against Denver.
#Texans QB 1 C. J. Stroud season stats after five touchdown game today vs. #Chargers: 2,251 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and two interceptions on 181-of-282 passing (64.2% completion rate), alongside 100 rushing yards, one touchdown run. Season pace: 4,783 yards, 34 touchdowns
The tactical approach for Los Angeles saw offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel relocate from the sidelines to the press box in an attempt to improve play-calling efficiency. However, the absence of key receiver Ladd McConkey, who was sidelined by back spasms, further hampered their ability to compete with Houston’s high-scoring output.
| Metric | Houston Texans | Los Angeles Chargers |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Season Record | 3-5 | 0-8 |
| Points Scored (Nov 8) | 44 | 22 |
| Sacks Allowed/Recorded | 0 (Allowed) | 8 (Allowed) |
| Current Streak | Won 3 of last 4 | 8 losses (2026) / 11 total |
The Path Forward for Both Franchises
For Houston, the win provides a necessary buffer as they prepare for a road game against Cleveland next Sunday.
For the Chargers, the scrutiny intensifies as they prepare to travel to Baltimore for a Monday Night Football matchup in Week 10. The game will see them face former defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, adding a layer of familiarity that complicates an already difficult task. With Herbert’s health status now a concern alongside the team’s winless record, the organization faces a critical juncture in its 2026 campaign.
This loss leaves Los Angeles as the sole team in the NFL without a victory, a statistical reality that places pressure on the coaching staff and front office. As the season progresses, the gap between the Texans' recent wins and the Chargers' winless record shows the volatility inherent in professional football.
More on Stroud
#Texans QB C. J Stroud gives all the glory to God after his incredible performance against the #Chargers. 🎥@NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/pPY6kUdUO2
