Burkhead runs for career-high 149 yards as Texans stun Chargers 41-29

With several players out because of COVID-19, the Houston Texans stunned the heavily favored Los Angeles Chargers 41-29 in their penultimate home game of the 2021 season on Dec. 26.

"I see you went crazy today @RBrex34," tweeted James White.

At +13, the Houston Texans showed their third-largest spread upset in history. In 2003, their victory over Miami Dolphins and in 2002, their win against the Pittsburgh Steelers were bigger upsets at +13.5.

"He's been Mr. Consistent for us," coach David Culley said, referring to veteran running back Rex Burkhead. "He's a guy that's going to get north and south. He just knows how to play the game."

Burkhead, who came to the Texans on a one-year deal in the off-season, scampered for a career-high 149 yards and two touchdowns on 22 touches to help Houston notch its second straight win following the 30-16 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

"You can't just be one dimensional or guys are going to key on you," Burkhead said when asked about his running style. "I try to mix it up. My dad was a running back growing up. He always preached to me about being versatile. And not always just hitting the hole fast, you've got to be patient at times."

It's the first time this season the now 4-11 Texans are on a winning streak.

Rookie quarterback Davis Mills complemented Burkhead's big day with a solid 254-passing yard, two-touchdown performance. Mills connected with Chris Conley and Niko Collins in the end zone.

The Texans' upset win delivered a big blow to the Chargers' playoff chances. Part of a four-way logjam of teams with identical 8-6 records heading into the crucial Week 16 matchup, L.A. slid to 8-7 and a game outside the playoffs.