Texans vs. Chargers Recap: Stroud Throws 5 TDs, Seven Plays Cash

The Texans rolled the Chargers 44-22 in Los Angeles behind one of C.J. Stroud's best days: 21 of 35 passing for 384 yards and 5 touchdowns. Houston led 10-9 midway through the second quarter, then scored 28 straight points to put it away. The Texans defense sacked Justin Herbert 8 times. Seven DARIMARKET plays cashed on this game, on both sides of the ball.

What cashed

Kayshon Boutte 16+ receiving yards (-114 at FanDuel): CASHED - Our read: Boutte cleared 16+ receiving yards in 10 of his last 10 and 18 of his last 20. At -114 (53% implied) we had it near 89%. - What happened: He caught 4 of 5 targets for 125 yards and 2 touchdowns, a 12-yarder before halftime and a 63-yarder early in the fourth. He cleared the line by 109.5. - Worth watching: A low receiving line at a near-even price was the best value on this game. Keep checking his number while it stays this low.

ALT: Xavier Hutchinson 15+ receiving yards (-207 at DraftKings): CASHED - Our read: Hutchinson cleared 15+ in 6 of 7 games this season, averaging 36.9. - What happened: He had 3 catches for 29 yards, including the 17-yard touchdown that opened the scoring. - Worth watching: A steady floor play. The alt line held even with four different Texans catching touchdowns.

ALT: Dalton Schultz 30+ receiving yards (-154 at FanDuel): CASHED - Our read: Schultz cleared 30+ in 8 of his last 10 and 15 of his last 20. - What happened: He caught 2 passes for 42 yards, with a long of 28. Two catches were enough. - Worth watching: Low catch volume makes this one swingy, but his yards per catch kept it safe.

ALT: Justin Herbert 180+ passing yards (-219 at DraftKings): CASHED - Our read: Herbert cleared 180+ in 6 of 7 games this season, averaging 199.7. - What happened: He completed 13 of 23 passes and threw for 193 yards with a touchdown, a 58-yarder to Quentin Johnston, and an interception. He cleared by 13.5 despite the 8 sacks. - Worth watching: The alt line survived a rough day for the Chargers line. That is the point of taking the cushion.

ALT: Omarion Hampton 40+ rushing yards (+109 at DraftKings): CASHED - Our read: Hampton cleared 40+ rushing yards in 6 of his last 10 and 11 of his last 16. At +109 (48% implied) we had it near 63%. - What happened: He ran 13 times for 60 yards with a long of 32. He cleared by 20.5. - Worth watching: Plus money on a lead back's yardage is worth a look even when his team falls behind.

ALT: Omarion Hampton 50+ rushing + receiving yards (+109 at DraftKings): CASHED - Our read: Same profile: 50+ scrimmage yards in 6 of his last 10 and 11 of his last 16. - What happened: All 60 of his scrimmage yards came on the ground, clearing by 10.5. - Worth watching: These two Hampton lines move together. Pick the one with the better price rather than stacking both.

Oronde Gadsden 16+ receiving yards (-114 at FanDuel): CASHED - Our read: Gadsden cleared 16+ in 7 of his last 10 and 14 of his last 20. - What happened: He caught 2 of 3 targets for 17 yards, clearing by 1.5. This was the closest call of the night. - Worth watching: With only 3 targets, this one had little margin. It is a price play, not a volume play.

How the game played out

Stroud spread it around: Hutchinson, Tank Dell, Boutte, Nico Collins and Boutte again caught his 5 touchdown passes. Dell had 105 yards on 4 catches, including a 63-yard score. Houston converted 8-14 on third down; the Chargers were 5-17. The Chargers' fourth-quarter touchdowns came with the game already out of reach.

Trends to watch

• Houston's pass rush got home 8 times. Chargers QB props carry extra risk when the protection looks like this.
• Boutte averaged 31.3 yards per catch with a 63-yard long. With that kind of big-play role, his yardage lines can clear in one snap.
• Woody Marks carried 18 times for 70 yards. His carry count is worth watching when Houston is protecting a lead.

Stats are from the ESPN box score. New to the terms? See alt line, player prop and implied probability.