Instant analysis: Texans secure best record since 2012, defeat Colts

1 week ago 2

The 2025 season will be one to remember for the Houston Texans. And while it doesn't end with a third straight AFC South division title, there's plenty to celebrate.

Behind a six-field-goal afternoon from Ka'imi Fairbairn, including the game-clinching 43-yard field goal with less than 10 seconds remaining, the Texans secure their ninth straight win to close out the season with a 38-30 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Defensive tackle Tommy Togiai scooped up a fumble on the final play and returned it 17 yards for a touchdown just for good measure to ensure a victory.

With the win, the Texans move to 12-5, marking their best finish as a franchise since 2012. They also locked up the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoffs, guaranteeing a trip to the winner of the AFC North in the wild-card round of the playoffs next week.

While starters on offense rested in the second half, largely due to the expanded lead by the Jacksonville Jaguars over the Tennessee Titans, C.J. Stroud still made plays in the first half. The third-year starter accounted for two touchdowns, including a 2-yard scramble in the second quarter to give Houston a six-point lead going into halftime.

It wasn't an easy win for the Texans as Riley Leonard came to play. The former Notre Dame star threw for 270 yards and two touchdowns while also running in another score. The best part for Houston? Leonard also lost a fumble and threw an interception, resulting in two field goal from Fairbairn.

Houston's defensive woes really only came from guarding Alec Pierce. In what could be his final game with the Colts, the speedy vertical threat totaled four catches for 132 yards and two touchdown receptions, surpassing 1,000 yards on the season for what became a career-high. But after making contact with an official in the third quarter, Pierce was ejected with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

Davis Mills, who came in during the third quarter in place of Stroud, saved his best drive for the last, completing three passes to Xavier Hutchinson and Jaylin Noel to set up Fairbairn's field goal. With time for one play, the Colts tried to lateral the ball around for a last-second score, but Togiai scooped up the ball for the eventual six points.

The Texans await the outcome of Sunday's game between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers to figure out who they will face next week. It is expected that Houston will be the Monday Night Football game on ESPN.

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Instant analysis: Texans secure best record since 2012, defeat Colts

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