In a closely contested battle, the Los Angeles Chargers topped the Houston Texans 31-22 in Week 9 of the 2026 season. The victory keeps the Chargers firmly in playoff contention as they look to build momentum heading down the stretch. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert led the charge with an impressive performance, throwing for 215 yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, Quentin Johnston was a reliable target, racking up 77 receiving yards to help keep the chains moving. On the ground, Ashton Jeanty of the Texans put up a remarkable 146 rushing yards, but it wasn't enough to secure a win. Defensively, the Chargers made key plays to stifle the Texans' offensive efforts. Denzel Perryman stood out with four total tackles, while Akheem Mesidor contributed with a crucial sack that shifted momentum in the second half. The turning point came late in the third quarter when the Chargers' defense held strong, preventing a Texans touchdown and allowing their offense to extend the lead.