C.J. Stroud hits Nico Collins for first TD in playoffs

HOUSTON -- TheTexans' offense finally woke up as quarterbackC.J. Stroudhit wideoutNico Collinsfor a touchdown to put the team up 7-6 over theLos Angeles Chargersin the second quarter Saturday in the wild-card opener of the playoffs.

The Texans' offense was dormant through the majority of the first half with Stroudthrowing an interception and wideoutJohn Metchie IIIlosing a fumble. But with 6:15 remaining in the half, Stroud capped a 99-yard drive withthe 13-yard touchdown.

It was the first touchdown of the afternoon by either team.

Stroud had two big plays on the drive, with one coming when he recovered a fumbled snap before rolling right and airing a dart to wideout Xavier Hutchinson for a 34-yard reception. Stroud also had a 34-yard pass to Collins that helped get the offense in the red zone before it finished in the end zone.

Kicker Ka'imi Fairbairnwas able to extend the lead to 10-6 with a 41-yard field goal before the half ended.

Fairbairn tacked on another field goal in the third quarter before the Texans' defense decided to get in on the fun when safety Eric Murray intercepted Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and returned it 38 yards to put the Texans up 20-6. That was the fourth defensive touchdown for Houston of this season including playoffs, tying theSeattle Seahawksfor the second most in the NFL.