C.J. Stroud's Epic 1Q Highlights, Stats Stun NFL Fans as Texans Take Lead vs. Chargers

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud recorded one of the best quarters of his NFL career with a potential playoff berth on the line Saturday against the Los Angeles Chargers..

Stroud went for 6-for-8 with 151 yards and two touchdowns in the opening frame of Saturday's Week 17 matchup.

That included a 75-yard touchdown pass to wideout Jayden Higgins on the third play of the game.

NFL fans were left stunned as the Texans surged out to an early 14-0 lead.

Stroud's strong opening came to a halt when a tipped pass turned into a pick by Chargers safety Derwin James early in the second quarter.

The Texans entered the weekend having won four straight games in part thanks to Stroud, who passed for 926 yards with five touchdowns and an interception over the stretch.

Stroud is playing behind an offensive line missing Trent Brown, who is sidelined with knee and ankle injuries, and Aireontae Ersery, who is recovering from a thumb injury.

Tytus Howard replaced Brown at right tackle, Jarrett Patterson slotted in at left guard and Blake Fisher took over for Ersery at left tackle, per Sam Warren of the Houston Chronicle.

How both Stroud and that offensive line perform could have playoff implications down the line. Houston currently ranks as the No. 7 seed in the AFC with a 10-5 record heading into the matchup with the Chargers.

A win over the Chargers (11-4) would allow the Texans to jump up to either the No. 5 or No. 6 seed by next week, depending on how the Buffalo Bills (11-4) fare Sunday afternoon against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Chargers could meanwhile keep their hopes alive of beating out the Denver Broncos for the top spot in the AFC West, while staying in contention for the No. 1 spot in the AFC, with a win over the Texans.

What shape the AFC playoff picture ultimately takes could hinge on how Stroud plays down the stretch Saturday night against the Texans.