C.J. Stroud Throws 5 Touchdowns in 'Flu Game' as Texans Rout Chargers 44–22
C.J. Stroud threw five touchdown passes — including two 63-yard strikes — to lead the Houston Texans to a 44–22 rout of the winless Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at SoFi Stadium. Stroud completed 21 of 35 passes for 384 yards with one interception, according to the Associated Press, and he did it while feeling ill all week: he barely practiced, woke up with chills on game day, and still delivered his own version of a flu game.
Texans vs Chargers Final Score and How Stroud Took Over
Houston scored on its opening drive, with Stroud hitting Xavier Hutchinson for a 17-yard touchdown after a Chargers face-mask penalty. The Texans led 10–9 after a Cameron Dicker field goal, but Stroud answered immediately: Tank Dell scored his first touchdown since a devastating knee injury in 2024 on a 63-yard catch to cap a two-play, 43-second drive, and Kayshon Boutte added a 12-yard touchdown just before halftime to make it 24–9.
The second half brought more of the same. Boutte also caught a 63-yard touchdown, giving Stroud two season-best 63-yard scoring throws in the same game. Houston blew past its status as a 5.5-point favorite and finished with 44 points, its biggest offensive output of the season.
Chargers Fall to 0–8 and End a Historic Touchdown Drought
The Chargers' only consolation was the end of a 37-drive touchdown drought — the second-longest in NFL history — when Quentin Johnston caught Justin Herbert's 58-yard scoring pass in the fourth quarter. Boos cascaded from the upper levels of SoFi Stadium, where the Chargers have not won since last December. Los Angeles is now 0–8, the NFL's only winless team, and the losing streak has reached eight games.
What the Win Means for the Texans
Houston improved to 3–5 and has now won three of its last four games after starting the season 0–4. The turnaround has been driven by Stroud's health and the deep passing game: Dell's return from the 2024 knee injury and Boutte's emergence give the Texans two legitimate downfield threats. The Texans visit Cleveland next Sunday, while the Chargers travel to Baltimore to face former Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter's Ravens. See the full NFL results from Sunday, November 8, 2026 for every final score.
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Stroud's Flu Game, By the Numbers
Stroud's line against the Chargers: 21-of-35 passing, 384 yards, five touchdowns, one interception, one sack. The two 63-yard scores to Dell and Boutte were the longest scoring plays of the season for Houston. It was the kind of performance that defines a season — and it came on a day when Stroud, by his own account to reporters, had been feeling lousy all week. For the latest on Sunday's NFL action, check our full roundup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Texans vs Chargers on November 8, 2026?
The Houston Texans beat the Los Angeles Chargers 44–22 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
How many touchdowns did C.J. Stroud throw against the Chargers?
Stroud threw five touchdown passes, completing 21 of 35 passes for 384 yards with one interception. Two of the scores were 63-yarders, to Tank Dell and Kayshon Boutte.
Was C.J. Stroud sick during the Chargers game?
Yes. According to the Associated Press, Stroud had been feeling lousy all week, barely practiced, and woke up with chills on game day — a performance reporters compared to Michael Jordan's famous flu game.
What is the Chargers' record after the loss?
The Los Angeles Chargers fell to 0–8, the NFL's only winless team. Their losing streak reached eight games.
What is the Texans' record after beating the Chargers?
Houston improved to 3–5 and has won three of its last four games after starting the season 0–4.
Who do the Texans and Chargers play next?
The Texans visit the Cleveland Browns next Sunday, while the Chargers travel to Baltimore to face the Ravens.
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