Texans vs. Colts final score, results: C.J. Stroud, Nico Collins power Houston to playoffs

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David Suggs
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After 17 weeks of intrigue, it all comes down to this in the AFC South. Three teams, two games and one divisional crown on the line. It can't get much better than this.

MORE: Watch Texans vs. Colts with Fubo (free trial)

The Jaguars, Texans and Colts all find themselves with dueling 9-7 records heading into the final game of the year. At present, it's Jacksonville which would stroll into the postseason as the divisional champions due to divisional record.

Indianapolis would also advance to the postseason as a wild-card team. As for Houston, it's in control of its own fate. The reason why? Because the Texans face the Colts in a do-or-die regular season finale.

C.J. Stroud has been sumptuous for much of the year, stringing together one of the greatest quarterbacking rookie seasons in recent memory. The Ohio State alum is approaching 4,000 passing yards, throwing 21 touchdowns to just five interceptions in 14 games this year. He'll have his work cut out for him in the form of Indianapolis' bristling defense; the Colts have racked up 49 sacks so far this campaign, the fifth-highest total in the league.

Glory awaits one of these two sides come the end of Saturday's clash. Just who? Follow along below to find out. The Sporting News is tracking live updates from Saturday night's game between the Texans and Colts. 

MORE: Texans playoff scenarios | Colts playoff scenarios

Texans vs. Colts score

   1   2   3   4   F 
Texans 7 7 3 6 23
Colts 3 3 8 8 19

Texans vs. Colts live updates, results, highlights from NFL Week 18 game

(All times Eastern)

End of fourth quarter: Texans 23, Colts 19

11:25 p.m.: Texans record a safety on their final play. It doesn't matter, though. Because they're headed to the postseason!

11:14 p.m.: TURNOVER ON DOWNS! Minshew throws the ball behind his intended target, Tyler Goodson. Would have been a first down if he reeled it in. Instead, it slips through his fingers. So too could Indianapolis' playoff hopes.

11:10 p.m.: The clock is dwindling down below two minutes. Indianapolis has the ball just outside the red zone. A touchdown (and PAT) wins the game for Indianapolis. And who else are the Colts handing the ball to than Taylor. Heel injury be damned, Taylor is trying to will his team to the postseason.

11:02 p.m.: You need a big play? You give it to your biggest playmakers. Minshew hits Downs, who leaves a few defenders hanging before galloping towards Houston's land. Good start to the drive.

10:58 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! Singletary slaloms his way into pay dirt. Texans take the lead back! However, they're only able to increase their advantage to six as Fairbairn sees his ensuing PAT attempt spurn wide.

Texans 23, Colts 17

10:56 p.m.: Stroud and Collins do it again. With pressure mounting, Stroud delivers and inch-perfect throw to Collins. He's up to nearly 200 receiving yards on the night. What a performance. Stroud has completed all seven of his pass attempts this drive, bringing Houston on the cusp of the end zone.

10:51 p.m.: Unbelievable throw by Stroud, who warps and bends around the pocket before sending a dove towards Collins for the first down.

10:49 p.m.: Impressive recovery by Stroud and the Texans, who overcome an early-drive sack to pick up a first down on third-and-short. Houston is approaching midfield once more.

10:43 p.m.: FIELD GOAL! Gay levels the score at 17. The draw is back in play.

Texans 17, Colts 17

End of third quarter: Texans 17, Colts 14

10:31 p.m.: Minshew finds Pittman for a first down. An unnecessary roughness call brings Indianapolis further into Houston territory. Doesn't look the Indianapolis wide receiver was too impacted by the collision. But it could've been much worse, I reckon.

10:27 p.m.: FIELD GOAL! Fairbairn splits the uprights. Texans take the lead.

Texans 17, Colts 14

10:25 p.m.: Stroud fires a beauty towards Xavier Hutchinson. But the pass is into triple coverage. And despite Hutchinson's best efforts, he's unable to reel it in. Kai'mi Fairbairn is headed onto the field for a 51-yard field goal attempt.

10:20 p.m.: Gay's 57-yard effort caroms off the upright. The tie is still in play. Steelers fans rejoice; a draw would send Pittsburgh to the playoffs.

10:15 p.m.: Indianapolis' run game has been a constant source of pride in tonight's game. It's maintaining its rhythm on this drive, as well, with Zac Moss and Taylor combining to bring the Colts deep into Houston territory.

10:05 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! The levee breaks for Indianapolis! Jonathan Taylor finds some space, turns upfield and races down the sideline for a 49-yard score. Special mention to Alec Pierce, who made a pivotal block to give Taylor some extra breathing room to operate with. The good times keep on rolling for Indianapolis, with Minshew hitting Alie-Cox on a jump pass as Indianapolis knots things up at 14!

Texans 14, Colts 14

10:03 p.m.: Minshew makes perhaps his best throw of the night, finding Kylen Granson and delivering an inch-perfect pass that spurns the oncoming cornerback and falls into Granson's path for 23 yards.

9:58 p.m.: DeForest Buckner bursts through the trenches and brings Stroud to the canvas, halting Houston's progress and precipitating a Texans' punt.

9:56 p.m.: Collins continues to percolate. Just exploded for another lengthy gain after finding some space in coverage. He's got six catches for 152 yards and a score today.

End of second quarter: Texans 14, Colts 6

9:33 p.m.: FIELD GOAL! Gay sinks a long-range missile to cut into Houston's lead. Decent ball movement by Minshew and Co., their first real foray into Texans' territory since their opening drive.

Texans 14, Colts 6

9:24 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! Stroud finds fullback Andrew Beck wide open in the back of the end zone as Houston extends its lead! Huge breakdown in coverage by Indianapolis there.

Texans 14, Colts 3

9:19 p.m.: Collins fields a screens in the flat and rumbles onward for 32 yards, settling a few yards short of the goal line! He's accounted for 100 of Stroud's 117 yards so far. And he might have the Texans on the brink of another score.

9:16 p.m.: Singletary enjoys his first positive moment of the game, slipping beyond a few defenders for seven yards. Houston is hoping to take advantage of advantageous field position after fielding a short punt on the ensuing possession.

9:12 p.m.: Minshew delivered an inch-perfect pass to Mo Ali-Cox, who looked to be flying down the field for a sizable gain. However, the ball slips through his grasp and nestles harmlessly onto the turf. Indianapolis just can't get things going at present.

8:59 p.m.: Houston gets the ball back after limiting the Colts' motion once more.

End of first quarter: Texans 7, Colts 3

8:52 p.m.: Collins unable to get past the marker on third down. Looking like Houston will send the ball back to Indianapolis.

8:47 p.m.: Minshew's been a bit erratic in the early moments of the game. Struggling to adapt to Houston's pass rush. It's got the Indianapolis backup looking a bit flustered. He just airmailed a pass attempt on third-and-long as the punt team is forced to return to the field. He's 3-of-8 for 21 yards so far.

8:41 p.m.: Colts shut the door on third-and-short! Devin Singletary brought back after getting caught behind the line-of-scrimmage.

8:39 p.m.: Stroud jogs past the first down marker after evading some early pressure. 

8:35 p.m.: Houston forces Minshew and Co. into a three-and-out, prompting a punt. Stroud will get a chance to operate once more.

8:28 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! Stroud places an arrow onto Nico Collins' plate for a 75-yard score. First play from scrimmage comes up trumps for Houston. Lucas Oil Stadium just got a whole lot quieter.

Texans 7, Colts 3

8:25 p.m.: FIELD GOAL! Matt Gay opens the scoring for the Colts. Decent showing by Indianapolis early. Shane Steichen will be hoping it's a sign of things to come.

Colts 3, Texans 0

8:21 p.m.: Minshew and Taylor combine to bring Indy ever-so-close to the red zone. Whether it's by air or ground, it seems as if the Colts are flourishing to start things up.

8:19 p.m.: Minshew hits leading receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to bring Indianapolis beyond midfield. He's already netted three catches on this drive. Not too shabby for the 1,000-yard receiver.

8:16 p.m.: And we're off! Gardner Minshew struts onto the field to lead out the Colts.

8:04 p.m.: It doesn't get much bigger than this. DeMeco Ryans seems pretty cheesed up about it, as well.

7:58 p.m.: Young money...

7:40 p.m.: A sight for sore eyes for Houston fans. Tunsil is back. Tell a friend.

7:20 p.m.: Robert Woods is slated to miss tonight's game. Represents a major blow for the Texans' offense. The pressure will be on, especially with Tank Dell already missing in action after suffering a season-ending injury.

6:50 p.m.: Here's a look at the inactives for tonight's clash:

6:30 p.m.: Some big figures set to return to the fore on Saturday for the Texans. Star offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil and pass rusher Will Anderson Jr. both set to participate in tonight's clash. That should go a long way in helping fortify Houston's postseason hopes.

What channel is Texans vs. Colts on today?

  • Game: Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts
  • Date: Saturday, Jan. 6
  • TV channel: ESPN, ABC
  • Live stream: ESPN+, Fubo (U.S.) | DAZN (Canada)

With no "Monday Night Football" broadcast during Week 18, ESPN's crew of Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will call Saturday night's game between the Texans and Colts from Lucas Oil Stadium.

The game will also air on ABC. Lisa Salters will offers musings from the sideline.

Fans can also stream the game via ESPN+ or Fubo, which offers a free trial. Viewers in Canada can stream every NFL game via DAZN.

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Texans vs. Colts start time

  • Date: Saturday, Jan. 6
  • Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET

Saturday's clash between the Texans and the Colts will kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET, the regular time slot for "Monday Night Football." The game will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.

Author(s)
David Suggs Photo
David Suggs

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News.

NFL
American Football
Houston Texans
Indianapolis Colts