Chargers slip in AFC playoff race with inexplicable loss to Texans

The Los Angeles Chargers lost precious ground in the tight race for playoff spots in the AFC by losing to the Houston Texans, 41-29, in Week 16.

Houston improved to 4-11 with the win ,and rookie quarterback Davis Mills clearly outplayed the Chargers' Pro Bowl quarterback Justin Herbert. Mills threw for 254 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, while Herbert threw two interceptions, including a pick-six in the final minutes of the game.

The Chargers entered with an 8-6 record and still had a small chance at climbing back in contention for the AFC West. Those hopes are all but extinguished with the Kansas City Chiefs now just one win away from putting the Chargers out of reach.

More importantly, Los Angeles dropped to 8-7 and right into a logjam of AFC contenders. All but four teams in the conference are .500 or better, and several bubble teams will have an opportunity to pass the Chargers for one of the three wild-card berths.

The Chargers will finish the season with a home game against the Denver Broncos followed by a road game against the Las Vegas Raiders.