The Chargers played better than the Texans for most of the first half.

But Houston got things going with a broken play late in the second quarter and now the AFC South champions lead Los Angeles 10-6 at halftime.

Texas quarterback CJ Stroud seemed lost for much of the game’s first two quarters, and it looked like that would remain the case on the Houston 17’s third-and-16 play. But after Stroud initially failed to get a handle on a shotgun snap, he rolled right and found a wide-open Xavier Hutchinson for a 34-yard gain.

That got Houston’s offense going, and Stroud capped the 13-play, 99-yard drive with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Nico Collins to give the Texans a 7-6 lead.

After a Los Angeles three-and-out with just 19 seconds left, Houston scored again with Ka’imi Fairbairn’s 41-yard field goal that gave the home team a four-point lead.

The Chargers started well, but the team’s opening attack faltered in the red zone when a negative run occurred on third-and-1. Cameron Dicker’s 35-yard field goal gave the team a 3-0 lead. The Chargers then capitalized on a Houston fumble on the team’s first play from scrimmage to kick another 39-yard field goal and take a 6-0 lead.

But Los Angeles couldn’t take much from there. Even after Stroud threw an ugly interception early in the second quarter, Herbert threw one on the next play – trying to hit Quentin Johnston with a long shot across his body.

Herbert finished the first half 8 of 20 for 97 yards with one pick.

Stroud is 14 of 23 for 180 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Stroud also made a crucial 27-yard run late in the second quarter to tie the score.

Los Angeles is third at 1 of 7, while Houston is 3 of 7 in the same category.

Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman is questionable due to an elbow injury. Chargers returner Derius Davis also went down returning a kickoff on the final play of the second quarter. His status is unclear ahead of the second half.

The Texans get the kick-off to the second half with the chance to extend their lead again.