INGLEWOOD, CA — After an 0-3 regular-season start, the Houston Texans have lifted off.

The Texans held on to beat the Los Angeles Chargers 20-16 on Saturday to clinch a playoff berth.

C.J. Stroud and the Texans got off to an early 14-0 first-quarter lead and held off the Chargers as they attempted to fight back into the game.  

Houston’s top-ranked defense led the way as the unit contained Justin Herbert and the Chargers offense for most of the contest.  

The Texans have won a league-best eight consecutive games and have punched their ticket into the postseason.

Here are the winners and losers from Saturday’s AFC battle:

Winners

Texans defense

The stingy defense flexed its muscle against Los Angeles. Houston had the NFL’s No. 1 total defense and ranked No. 1 in points allowed entering Week 17. In the first half, the Texans defense held the Chargers to three points and six first downs.

Houston sacked Herbert five times and registered eight hits.

The Chargers gained 275 yards of total offense. Omarion Hampton was held to 29 rushing yards.

Danielle Hunter, Will Anderson Jr. entered the game with a combined 24 ½ sacks. Hunter had a sack in the win. Anderson was credited for a half-sack.

C.J. Stroud to Iowa State products in first quarter

Stroud and rookie Jayden Higgins hooked up for a 75-yard touchdown on the third play of the game to lift the Texans to an early 7-0 lead. It was the longest touchdown pass of Stroud’s career. On Houston’s next possession, Stroud tossed a 43-yard touchdown to rookie Jaylin Noel to give the team a 14-0 lead in the first quarter.

Higgins and Noel are the second rookie duo in NFL history and the first since 1938 to each record touchdown receptions of 40-plus yards in the same game, per NFL Research. Higgins and Noel were also teammates at Iowa State.

Stroud started the game 4-of-4 passing for 142 yards and two touchdowns.

It was 14-0 before fans got comfortable in their seats. The Texans outgained the Chargers 171 to 15 in total yards in the first period.

Texans playoff bound

Houston clinched a playoff berth with a win Saturday. The Texans have defeated the Chargers their past two meeting, including in the 2024 playoffs.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos officially clinched the AFC West title as a result of the Chargers’ loss. It’s Denver’s first division title since 2015.

Losers

Chargers’ offensive line

The Chargers offensive line has been ravaged by injuries this season.

The patchwork O-line faltered against Hunter, Anderson and the Texans defense. Herbert was sacked a handful of times. He was under duress all game.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts have officially been eliminated from playoff contention as a result of Houston’s win.

Chargers’ first-quarter defense

The Chargers secondary performed as though the group was on Christmas vacation. The secondary started the contest with huge busted coverages on back-to-back series. One resulted in a 75-yard touchdown catch by Higgins and the other was a 43-yard touchdown reception by Noel.

The Chargers defense gave up 151 passing yards and two touchdowns in the first quarter.

Rookie mistakes for Oronde Gadsden

Gadsden had two crucial drops. One drop ricocheted off his hands near the end zone and into the hands of Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. Gadsden had another drop early in the second half that erased what would’ve been a first down.

The Chargers rookie tight end did have a 1-yard touchdown catch late in the third quarter.

Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker, punter JK Scott

Dicker, the most accurate kicker in NFL history, missed an easy 32-yard field goal at the end of the first half. A successful field goal attempt would’ve cut the Chargers’ halftime deficit to 14-6. He also missed an extra point attempt in the fourth quarter with under four minutes remaining that would’ve trimmed Houston’s advantage to three points.

Dicker had made 94.1% of his career field goals entering Week 17.

Scott had punts of just 22 and 34 yards in the second half.

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The United States had to overcome adversity to beat Switzerland 2-1 and improve to 2-0 at the world junior hockey championship.

The biggest was the loss of star defenseman Cole Hutson, who left the game on a stretcher after being hit in the head by a shot in the second period. He was evaluated at a local hospital and was discharged to rejoin his teammates, USA Hockey said.

The USA, which led 1-0 at the time on a Brodie Ziemer goal, gave up a tying goal to Switzerland soon after the injury. But Notre Dame goalie Nick Kempf came up with a big save on a breakaway then Will Zellers restored the USA’s lead.

Zellers did the same in the USA’s opening game, scoring each time Germany had pulled within a goal. He has three goals and the game-winning goal in both games.

There wasn’t much room to maneuver as Switzerland played a tight-checking game. After getting 47 shots in the opener, the USA was held to 20 on Saturday.

“It was a battle and I give our guys a lot of credit, they played a heckuva game,” said Team USA Bob Motzko. “They’re (Switzerland) a well-coached team and keep coming at you.’

Next up for the USA is Slovakia on Dec. 29 and Sweden on Dec. 31 to finish group play. The top four advance to the quarterfinals, which will be Jan. 2. The semifinals are on Jan. 4 and the medal games on Jan. 5.

USA vs. Switzerland highlights

Cole Hutson injury update

USA Hockey reports that Cole Hutson was released from the hospital and is back with the team. He’s listed as day-to-day.

Next opponent for USA

The USA will play Slovakia on Monday, Dec. 29. Slovakia is 1-1 after falling to Sweden in the opener and beating Germany on Saturday.

Players of the game

Giam Meier for Switzerland and Brodie Ziemer for the USA.

Final score: USA 2, Switzerland 1

The Americans survive a tight-checking game and the loss of Cole Hutson, who left the game on a stretcher. Brodie Ziemer and Will Zellers scored the goals. Zellers has two game-winning goals in two games. Nick Kempf was steady in net, stopping a breakaway not long after Switzerland had tied the game.

Switzerland hits crossbar

USA still up 2-1 with 43.2 seconds left.

Switzerland pulls goalie

Christian Kirsch is on the bench for an extra attacker with less than two minutes left.

USA flurry

LJ Mooney hits the post and goalie Christian Kirsch stops him on another attempt.

Switzerland power play

Asher Barnett is called for holding the stick. The USA kills it off.

Midway through third period

Still 2-1. Tight-checking period.

USA power play

Robin Antenen is called for roughing. USA is 0-for-5 in the tournament and is now 0-for-6.

Third period underway

2-1 USA. Switzerland kills off the rest of the U.S. power play.

Cole Hutson injury update

NHL Network reported that Cole Hutson is under observation at a local hospital and was conscious and alert.

End of second: USA 2, Switzerland 1

Switzerland tied the game not long after star defenseman Cole Hutson was taken off the ice on a stretcher, but Will Zellers restored the USA lead with his third goal of the tournament.

USA power play

Ludvig Johnson is called for delay of game. The power play will carry into the third period.

USA retakes lead

Will Zellers throws a puck at the net and it beats Christian Kirsch up high for a 2-1 lead. It’s the third goal of the tournament for Zellers. USA 2, Switzerland 1

Switzerland ties it up

Basile Sansonnens takes a shot from the point and it beats a screened USA goalie Nick Kempf over his glove to tie the game. USA 1, Switzerland 1.

Cole Hutson injury update

USA defenseman Cole Hutson is down on the ice after appearing to get hit in the neck or back of the head by a shot. Stretcher is coming out and they’ve immobilized him and wheeled him off. He was moving his feet around while on the ice.

Midway through second period

USA-Switzerland continues to be a tight-checking game. Americans lead 1-0. Just five shots so far in the period.

Canada beats Latvia

No upset this time. Canada’s Michael Hage scores 44 seconds in overtime for a 2-1 win. Gavin McKenna picked up his second assist of the game.

Canada-Latvia score

Latvia ties the game with less than two minutes left and it’s going to overtime with the score 1-1. Latvia upset Canada at last season’s tournament in the round robin.

USA takes the lead

Brodie Ziemer takes a drop pass and rips a shot past Christian Kirsch at 1:12. James Hagens and Will Horcoff get the assists. USA 1, Switzerland 0

Second period underway

Still scoreless.

End of first: USA 0, Switzerland 0

Already a big change from the 2025 quarterfinals, when the USA dominated and Christian Kirsch was pulled. Kirsch has been solid, Switzerland has forechecked well and had the early lead in shots. But the USA plays better down the stretch and now has outshot Switzerland 8-4. Teddy Stiga had two scoring chances and set up Brodie Ziemer on another.

Switzerland power play

Logan Hensler is called for holding. USA kills it off. The Americans get good short-handed chances by Cole Hutson and Brodie Ziemer, but the game remains scoreless.

Teddy Stiga chance

Stiga has been the USA’s most dangerous player this game. Christian Kirsch makes a glove save on him.

USA power play

Jamiro Reber is called for hooking. The USA went 0-for-3 on the power play against Germany in the opener. They’re now 0-for-4 in the tournament. The Americans get one shot with the man advantage.

Eight minutes in

Scoreless. Shots are 3-2 Switzerland. Nick Kempf is called upon to make a few big saves.

Game underway

USA is 1-0. Switzerland is making its 2026 tournament debut.

What channel is USA vs. Switzerland world juniors hockey game today?

TV channel: NHL Network

Livestream: Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers, or Sling TV.

What time is USA vs. Switzerland world juniors hockey game today?

Date: Saturday, Dec. 27

Time: 6 p.m. ET (5 p.m. local time)

The game is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. ET (5 p.m. local time) at the Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the home of the Minnesota Wild.

World juniors USA vs Switzerland: How to watch, stream

Time: 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, Dec. 27

Location: Grand Casino Arena (Saint Paul, Minnesota)

TV: NHL Network

Streaming: Fubo and certain levels of Sling TV carry NHL Network.

Today’s world juniors hockey schedule

All times p.m. ET

Saturday, Dec. 27

• Slovakia 4. Germany 1: Tomas Chrenko had a natural hat trick as Slovakia picked up its first win of the tournament. Germany, which lost for a second time, got a goal from Dustin Willhoft.
• Canada 2, Latvia 1: Canada continues its redemption tour. It beat Czechia in the opener after losing a year ago in the quarterfinals. Now it beat Latvia after losing in the round robin last year. Latvia had tied the game with less than two minutes left, but Canada’s Michael Hage ended it quickly in overtime. Gavin McKenna had two assists.
• USA 2, Switzerland 1: Will Zellers had the game-winning goal for the second game in a row as the USA improved to 2-0. Cole Hutson was taken to the hospital for observation after being hit in the head by a puck and was later discharged, per TSN.
• Czechia 7. Denmark 2: Tomas Galvas had a goal and two assists in the rout. The Czechs scored three power-play goals, including on a five-minute penalty to Denmark defenseman Jesper Olesen, who was ejected for checking to the head. 

Goaltending matchup

USA’s Nick Kempf vs. Switzerland’s Christian Kirsch. Kempf plays for Notre Dame. Kirsch was pulled in the 2025 quarterfinals when the USA scored three goals in less than five minutes.

USA-Switzerland world juniors history

The USA and Switzerland are meeting for the 28th time at the world junior championships. The USA has never lost, recording 25 victories and two ties.

USA lineup

Switzerland lineup

Cole Hutson chasing U.S. record

Capitals prospect Cole Hutson needs one point to tie Erik Johnson (14) for most points by a U.S. defenseman at the world junior championships. Hutson led all scorers last season with 11 points and had two assists in the opener against Germany.

8 U.S. players back from gold-medal team

The United States has brought back eight players from last year’s gold medal team: forwards Cole Eiserman, James Hagens, Max Plante, Teddy Stiga and Brodie Ziemer, plus defensemen Logan Hensler, Cole Hutson and Adam Kleber. 

All except Hensler recorded a point against Germany. Hutson had two points.

Hagens scored twice against Switzerland during last season’s tournament quarterfinal.

How USA beat Germany

Will Zellers scored twice, restoring the USA’s two-goal lead after Germany pulled within 3-2 and 4-3. Cole Eiserman also scored after Zellers’ second goal for the final 6-3 margin. The Americans outshot Germany 15-4 in a scoreless third period and 47-21 for the game.

World juniors 2026 predictions

Who will win gold, silver and bronze at this year’s tournament? Who will take home the individual awards? Here are predictions from The Hockey News staff.

Hockey Canada apologizes for lack of handshakes

Hockey Canada issued a statement apologizing for skating off the ice after its 7-5 win against Czechia on Friday without shaking hands.

‘I didn’t know, but I know now,’ Canada coach Dale Hunter told reporters. ‘There will be a handshake (after the Latvia game), and I’ll say sorry to the Czechs.’

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Penn State football’s 2025 season ended on a high note with a win over Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl.

It’s a win for the Nittany Lions that closes a season that got away from them after being a preseason top-three-ranked team. After the game, interim coach Terry Smith got emotional during a postgame interview with ESPN’s Taylor McGregor inside Yankee Stadium.

‘I love this group. They’re just a special group of guys. This is the greatest moment in my life,’ Smith told McGregor. ‘It’s just a great moment for me, my family. God, I said I wasn’t going to do that (cry) again, but I’m just so happy for our guys.’

He added: ‘I love Penn State. I love football. And the game and Penn State have done amazing things for me and my family. I’m just thankful and grateful.’

Saturday’s win over Clemson closes out Smith’s run as interim coach tenure with a 4-3 record since he took over for James Franklin, who was fired on Oct. 12 following an 0-3 start to Big Ten play. Since beginning his stint with an 0-3 record, he led the Nittany Lions to four straight wins, including three wins to end the regular season and become bowl eligible.

In the winding seconds of the Pinstripe Bowl, Penn State fans began chanting Smith’s name, a gesture that highlights the job Smith did in his interim stint to salvage a season that once had national championship aspirations. The chants resurfaced during the trophy presentation at Yankee Stadium.

‘We dictated the terms of the last four games. I can’t be more proud of these guys, these kids. They played their hearts out,’ Smith said. ‘What a resilient group. They could have laid down and quit. They didn’t have to play. They didn’t have to come show up here at the Pinstripe Bowl, but they did.

‘They played really, really hard. It’s just a testament of Penn State and the character it builds coming to a great university like that.’

Smith, a former Penn State wide receiver and a member of Franklin’s staff since 2013, interviewed for the full-time coaching position but ultimately was not chosen, as Penn State hired Matt Campbell away from Iowa State. Despite not getting the full-time job, Smith is being retained by Campbell and was rewarded with a new, four-year deal to stay in Happy Valley.

The Nittany Lions’ win over Clemson marked their 34th bowl win in program history, which ranks for the fourth most in Division I FBS history.

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The Lane Train has made a stop in H-Town.

LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry confirmed to WAFB’s Jacques Doucet prior to kickoff that new LSU football coach Lane Kiffin will be in attendance inside NRG Stadium for the Tigers’ contest against Houston in the Texas Bowl, and will be doing some ‘media coverage.’

Kiffin’s presence was teased by former LSU defensive tackle Booger McFarland on ABC during halftime of the Pop-Tarts Bowl between BYU and Georgia Tech. Kiffin also posted a photo of himself inside a private jet with an LSU pennant flag on his personal X (formerly Twitter) account earlier in the day.

While it is not unusual for an incoming coach to attend a bowl game of his new program, it is the first public appearance for Kiffin since he took over the Tigers program as the successor to Brian Kelly, outside of his introductory news conference.

Kiffin, who congratulated his former program on their first-ever CFP win on Saturday, Dec. 20 against Tulane, led Mississippi to a 55-19 overall record in six seasons.

Here’s what to know about why Kiffin is at NRG Stadium for LSU’s bowl game against Houston:

Why is Lane Kiffin at Texas Bowl between LSU-Houston?

Kiffin is getting an early look at his new team in action, as the former Ole Miss coach was named the successor to Kelly at LSU on Sunday, Nov. 30.

The veteran head coach was one of the most sought-after coaches in this coaching carousel, as he mentioned during his introductory news conference at LSU on Monday, Dec. 1 that there were four options on the table for him, including staying at Ole Miss and continuing to build the Rebels into a powerhouse.

He ultimately chose LSU.

‘This place is different. Having watched this place for a long time and from the other sideline. This place is different, and that’s why we’re here,’ Kiffin said at his introductory news conference.

He added: ‘As we’re going to the office, and you go by Tiger Stadium, and it’s lit up, and you are like, ‘I absolutely made the right decision,’ and (any bad feelings) all went away.’

Kiffin will be tasked with rebuilding the LSU program into a national championship contender, as the Tigers have missed out on the College Football Playoff each year since their national championship in 2020.

Who is coaching LSU in Texas Bowl?

LSU interim head coach Frank Wilson is coaching the Tigers in the Texas Bowl against Houston on Dec. 27. Wilson, a longtime assistant coach at LSU across two different stints, has led the Tigers to a 2-2 record since being elevated to interim head coach by Woodward.

The Texas Bowl will be the final game Wilson coaches at LSU, as he is returning to Ole Miss to be on Pete Golding’s first staff in Oxford. Wilson spent three seasons with the Rebels from 2005 through 2007 as a running back and special teams coach. During availability in Houston on Friday, Dec. 26, Wilson mentioned he and Kiffin couldn’t come to a resolution on keeping him in Baton Rouge, despite Kiffin ‘wanting to find a way to work it out.’

The NBA matchup between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Phoenix Suns reached an unexpected level of intensity on Saturday night.

The Suns had built up an 87-83 lead in the final minutes of the third quarter before members of the opposing teams started to exchange blows.

Collin Gillespie had the ball at midcourt for the Suns while teammate Mark Williams began to set up a screen, attempting to guard Jose Alvarado of the Pelicans.

The officials on the court quickly blew the whistle, which led Alvarado to briefly turn toward the referee to express his displeasure before he turned back around to exchange words with Williams.

The two began to exchange blows and had to be separated by teammates and coaches. Both Alvarado and Williams were ejected from the game.

The NBA is expected to issue punishment for the participating parties in the coming days.

The Suns went on to win the game, 123-114.

Anthony Davis is once again expected to miss time for the Dallas Mavericks due to his latest injury, ESPN reports.

Davis played just 11 minutes against the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day before leaving with a groin injury. He did not return to the game and finished with just three points and three rebounds as the Mavericks fell to the Warriors 126-116.

Here’s the latest on Davis’ injury:

Anthony Davis injury status

Davis suffered a groin strain during Thursday’s game and is listed on the latest NBA injury report as questionable for Saturday’s game against the Sacramento Kings. Davis’ official designation is ‘right adductor soreness.’

What is a groin strain injury?

A groin strain is caused when muscles in the groin are stretched enough to tear or damage them and is common among athletes, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The athlete will feel a sharp and twinging pain.

Anthony Davis season stats

Davis has averaged 20.5 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game in 16 games played.

Who is Anthony Davis’ backup?

Davis is a forward who has spent time playing at the center position for the Dallas Mavericks this season. Daniel Gafford is expected to replace Davis in the lineup as the starting center.

When Naoya Inoue fights David Picasso Saturday, he’ll be facing an opponent seven years younger, three inches taller and unbeaten at 32-0-1.

But there’s a reason Inoue is known as ‘The Monster’ and why the Japanese sensation is an overwhelming favorite to defend his undisputed super bantamweight title

At 5-foot-5, Inoue packs a wicked punch. The power has served him well while winning world titles as a light flyweight, junior bantamweight, bantamweight and super bantamweight while amassing a record of 31-0 with 27 knockouts.

By contrast, the 5-foot-8 Picasso, a rangy 25-year-old from Mexico, relies more on volume. And he’ll also be making his first appearance in a title fight.

USA TODAY Sports will have results for the Naoya Inoue vs David Picasso fight, so check back here for updates.

Naoya Inoue vs David Picasso: Time, PPV, streaming for fight

Naoya Inoue will face David Picasso on Saturday, Dec. 27, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

• Date: Saturday, Dec. 27
• Time: 4 a.m. ET
• Inoue vs Picasso main event ringwalks: 7:57 a.m. ET (estimate)
• Stream: DAZN PPV

Watch Inoue vs Picasso on DAZN PPV

What time is Naoya Inoue vs David Picasso fight card?

Inoue vs Picasso starts at 4 a.m. ET with the main card estimated to begin at 7:57 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 27.

When is the Naoya Inoue vs David Picasso main event ring walk?

The main card between Inoue and Picasso has an estimated start time of 7:57 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 27.

Inoue vs Picasso price: How much to watch fight

The fight available on DAZN will cost $39.99.

Naoya Inoue stats

Naoya Inoue is 31-0 with 27 KOs. He has won by knockout in 11 of his past 12 fights.

How much does Naoya Inoue weigh

Naoya Inoue weighed in at 121.1 pounds, under the maximum weight limit of 122 pounds for super bantamweights.

Naoya Inoue net worth

Naoya Inoue’s estimated net worth is between $7 million and $10 million, according to various reports.

Super fight on the line

There’s extra incentive for Naoya Inoue entering the bout against David Picasso. Inoue likely needs to keep his perfect record intact to secure a super fight with Junto Nakatani, a feared three-division world champion from Japan. Nakatani relinquished his bantamweight title to move up to the super bantamweight division and stalk Inoue.

Nakatani (31-0, 24 KOs) will be fighting Sebastian Hernandez (20-0, 18 KOs) on the main card Saturday.

Naoya Inoue among pound-for-pound best

ESPN and The Ring both rank Naoya Inoue No. 3 in their pound-for-pound rankings, behind only top-ranked Terence Crawford and No. 2-ranked Oleksandr Usyk. BoxRec, the official record keeper for boxing, ranks Inoue No. 1.

Why Naoya Inoue is nicknamed ‘The Monster’

Naoya Inoue earned the nickname ‘The Monster’ thanks to his punching power. You can watch some of his most brutal KOs here.

Is Naoya Inoue vulnerable?

Naoya Inoue has been knocked down twice in his last five fights.

In 2024, Luis Nery knocked down Inoue in the first round, and Inoue won the fight by TKO in Round 6.

In May, Ramon Cardenas knocked down Inoue in Round 2, and Inoue won the fight by TKO in Round 8.

Naoya Inoue vs David Picasso fight card, odds:

• Naoya Inoue (-5000) vs David Picasso (+1000) – Undisputed super bantamweight titles
• Junto Nakatani vs. Sebastian Hernandez – super bantamweight bout
• Reito Tsutsumi vs. Leobardo Quintana – super featherweight bout
• Taiga Imanaga vs. Eridson Garcia – lightweight bout
• Willibaldo Garcia Perez (+275) vs. Kenshiro Teraji (-400) – super flyweight