No game in NFL Week 18 had more obvious consequences than the Houston Texans' matchup with the Indianapolis Colts.
The winner makes the playoffs. The losing season is over.
The two teams' records are currently 9-7, two-thirds of a three-way tie atop the AFC South with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars can clinch the division with a win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, or the winner of Texans-Colts will clinch the division as well.
The Texans enter the game as slight favorites, largely due to the presence of freshman quarterback CJ Stroud, who is currently the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite. 2023 No. 2 pick has looked electric all season, but missed two games last month with a concussion.
No. The Colts were supposed to have their own rookie quarterback with Anthony Richardson, the No. 4 pick, but he's gone since October. Gardner Minshew has led the team since then, winning six of their last eight games.
Follow Yahoo Sports for highlights and updates from Saturday's game.
live145 updates
-
With Jonathan Taylor running up the middle, we've got a close call on third down. Officials called it a first down, but they're looking again.
-
Texans 11 penalties, 69 yards.
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) January 7, 2024
-
-
The Colts respond with a rookie of their own. Josh Towns quickly reached midfield with a 28-yard catch and run.
-
Jonathan Taylor was a doubt with an ankle injury, but he is now back on the field.
-
-
Touchdown Texans
Devin Singletary punched it in, but Kaimi Fairbairn missed her first XP of the season to keep the score at 23-17. It's hard to overstate what a great driver the Strut is.
-
Another pass, another completion to Collins, this time a 23-yarder. He also drew a horse collar to move the ball inside
-
#colts RB Jonathan Taylor's injury has been upgraded from heel to ankle and is doubtful to return.
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) January 7, 2024
-
-
Aha.
Stroud throws what looks like a dump-off with pressure on his face, but Collins tracks it down to dive to the side. He has 172 yards on eight catches and eight targets.
-
Houston now with 10 penalties.
Indy has 2.
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) January 7, 2024
-
First down to the Texans, Stroud to Schultz again.
-
Dalton Schultz made it 3rd and 3 with a spectacular catch and run.
-
There is a big bag. The Colts surprised CJ Stroud with a blitz by safety Rodney Harrison Jr.
-
Matt Kay made a 35-yard field goal to tie the game at 17-17.
-
Jonathan Taylor is questionable to return with a heel injury #colts
— Bridget Condon (@BridgetCondon_) January 7, 2024
-
Honey, Jonathan Taylor suddenly walks to the locker room. Don't know why
-
Winning the Colts Challenge. First at Houston 23.
-
Stetson thought for a long time. Moss then decided to challenge the spot on the run.
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) January 7, 2024
