Houston secure NFL playoff berth

Postseason path still open for Baltimore

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Texans quarterback CJ Stroud looks downfield for an open receiver during the first half against the Chargers.

(AFP)

CJ Stroud threw two early touchdown passes and the Houston Texans advanced to the NFL playoffs with a 20-16 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday.

The Texans (11-5) stretched their win streak to eight games while the Chargers (11-5) lost for only the second time in nine contests.

Houston's victory eliminated the Indianapolis Colts from the playoff hunt while the Chargers’ loss clinched the AFC West division title for the Denver Broncos, who own the NFLs best record at 13-3.

“They made some changes in the second half and made it a challenge but that’s what you get in these type of games’” Stroud said.

“They have a good defence but we weathered the storm and found a way to get a W.”

In Saturday's other game, the Baltimore Ravens sustained their playoff hopes with a 41-24 victory at Green Bay as Derrick Henry ran 36 times for 216 yards and four touchdowns.