At a Glance
- Texans win 38-30 over Colts
- Stroud scores two TDs before halftime
- Fairbairn kicks 43-yard FG with 12 seconds left
- Why it matters: Texans secure 12-5 record, No.5 AFC playoff seed
The Houston Texans wrapped up a 38-30 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, extending their winning streak to nine games and cementing a No.5 seed in the AFC playoffs.
Game Highlights
C.J. Stroud accounted for two touchdowns before halftime, giving the Texans a 20-10 lead. Ka’imi Fairbairn’s 43-yard field goal with 12 seconds left put Houston ahead 32-30, and a 17-yard fumble return by defensive tackle Tommy Togiai sealed the win.
- Stroud: 2 TD passes before halftime
- Fairbairn: 6 career-high field goals, 43-yard FG
- Togiai: 17-yard fumble return TD
- Riley Leonard: 270 passing yards, 2 TDs, 1 rushing TD, fumble, interception
Coaching and Player Perspectives
DeMeco Ryans stated:
> “Our guys were able to accomplish a lot of great things. No matter how dim it looked to start the season, I’m proud our guys for continue to battle every single week and finding a way to win games. Now we finish on a high note to win against a really good team.”
Derek Stingley added:
> “We treated every game like it was a playoff game, so that’s how we went on our streak.”
Shane Steichen commented on rookie Riley Leonard:
> “I learned that he can definitely play in this league for a long time. To go out and do it against the top defense like he did was pretty impressive. He is a competitor.”
| Player | Role | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|
| C.J. Stroud | QB | 2 TD passes before halftime |
| Ka’imi Fairbairn | Kicker | 6 FG, 43-yard FG with 12 sec left |
| Tommy Togiai | DT | 17-yard fumble return TD |
| Riley Leonard | QB | 270 passing yards, 2 TDs, 1 rushing TD, fumble, interception |
The Colts, who were eliminated from postseason contention after this loss, finished with a 8-9 record and a seventh straight defeat.
Key Takeaways
- Texans secure No.5 AFC playoff seed with 12-5 record.
- Stroud’s early TDs and Fairbairn’s late FG were decisive.
- Rookie Leonard’s strong debut highlighted by 270 yards and 2 TDs.
The victory sets the stage for Houston’s playoff run, showcasing depth and resilience across the roster.
By Hannah E. Clearwater for News Of Austin
