Chargers vs. Texans live score, updates, highlights from NFL wild-card playoff game

The first matchup of the 2025 NFL playoffs sees two of the league's most promising passers take center stage.

The Chargers and Texans will joust with one another to kick off the 2025 NFL playoffs. The matchup figures to captivate masses of football fans, and Justin Herbert and C.J. Stroud are two of the biggest reasons why.

Herbert and the Bolts (11-6) enjoyed a sterling campaign, securing their first postseason berth since 2022. Herbert shined under Jim Harbaugh's tutelage, completing 65.9 percent of his passes for 3,870 yards and 23 touchdowns to just three interceptions. The gangly gunslinger was formidable as they come in the regular season, striking up an impressive battery with rookie wideout Ladd McConkey. They'll hope to conjure up some more magic in the playoffs.

Houston (10-7), meanwhile, captured its second-straight division title under DeMeco Ryans, albeit not in the smoothest fashion. The Texans crafted an impressive defense spearheaded by All-Pro-candidate Derek Stingley Jr. — defensive coordinator Matt Burke's unit surrendered the sixth-fewest yards in football.

STREAM: Watch Chargers vs. Texans live with Fubo (free trial)

Offense was a bit of an odyssey, with Stroud — the league's reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year — taking a step back. His performances were undoubtedly impacted by the absence of some key weapons — Nico Collins, Joe Mixon, Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell all missed time due to injury.

Stroud's reputation precedes him; he was nails throughout 2023 and propelled Houston to a rout of a win against the Browns this time last year. Can Herbert and Harbaugh's presence spur him on?

The Sporting News is tracking live updates from Saturday's wild card matchup between the Chargers and the Texans. Follow below for highlights, analysis and more as Los Angeles and Houston vie for a spot in the divisional round.

Chargers vs. Texans live score

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Chargers vs. Texans highlights from 2025 NFL wild-card playoff game

All times Eastern.

Updates will start closer to the game's 4:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. local time) kickoff. 

Chargers vs. Texans start time

• Date: Saturday, Jan. 11
• Time: 4:30 p.m. ET

The NFL playoffs kick off with the Chargers vs. Texans on Saturday, Jan. 11. Kickoff from NRG Stadium in Houston will be at 4:30 p.m. ET.

MORE 2025 NFL PLAYOFF NEWS:

• Wild-card picks against the spread
• NFL playoff power rankings, 1-14
• SN's expert playoff predictions, Super Bowl 59 picks

What channel is Chargers vs. Texans on today?

• TV channel: CBS, Nickelodeon (U.S.) | TSN1 (Canada)
• Live stream: Fubo, Paramount+ (U.S.) | DAZN NFL (Canada)

The Chargers and Texans will meet on CBS, with Ian Eagle leading the broadcast as the game's play-by-play announcer. Charles Davis will join him in the booth, offering occasional musings, while Evan Washburn features as the game's sideline reporter.

Fans can find a SpongeBob SquarePants-themed alternate broadcast of Saturday's match on Nickelodeon, with CBS Sports star Nate Burleson being accompanied in the booth by fan favorites SquarePants, Patrick Star and Sandy Cheeks.

Cord-cutters can find all the action on Paramount+, as well as Fubo. Viewers in Canada can stream the game on DAZN.

NFL playoff schedule 2025

Wild-card round

Saturday, Jan. 11

Sunday, Jan. 12

Monday, Jan. 13

Divisional round

Saturday, Jan. 18

Sunday, Jan. 19

Conference championships

Sunday, Jan. 26

Super Bowl 59

Sunday, Feb. 9