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NFL · Final

Texans Edge Colts in High-Scoring Showdown

Sunday, January 4, 2026, 1:00 PM ET · Reliant Stadium

Houston Texans 38, Indianapolis Colts 30, final. Our NFL picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Indianapolis Colts vs Houston Texans?

Houston Texans beat Indianapolis Colts 38-30 at Reliant Stadium on January 4, 2026.

Who was favored in Indianapolis Colts vs Houston Texans?

Houston Texans were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -520 (about 84% implied). The favorite won.

In a thrilling NFL encounter, the Houston Texans emerged victorious against the Indianapolis Colts with a final score of 38-30. This matchup was notable not only for the close score but also for the Texans' impressive recent form, extending their winning streak to nine games. The victory solidifies their strong position in the league, showcasing their ability to score effectively while maintaining a solid defense.

The Texans entered this game with a record of 12-5, having won their last eight games, including a recent win over the Colts on November 30, 2025, where they triumphed 20-16. Over their last ten games, they have posted a record of 9-1, averaging 23.9 points scored per game while allowing only 17.7 points. Their performance at home has been particularly strong, with a home record of 5-1, and they have been dominant in their last five games, winning all of them and averaging 24.6 points scored while allowing just 16.6.

On the other hand, the Colts have struggled recently, with a record of 3-7 in their last ten games and a current losing streak of six games. They averaged 24.2 points scored per game but allowed a concerning 25.8 points, indicating defensive vulnerabilities. Their away record stands at 1-4, and they have not won in their last five games, averaging just 19.0 points while conceding 29.0.

The Texans' home advantage at Reliant Stadium was evident, as they have performed well there this season. The Colts, meanwhile, have faced challenges on the road, contributing to their overall struggles this season. In their previous three meetings, the Texans have maintained a perfect record against the Colts, winning all three matchups, including two close contests in the 2024 season.

In terms of injuries, the Texans were without key players such as Tank Dell and Sam Hagen, both on injured reserve, while Brevin Jordan and Jadeveon Clowney were listed as questionable. The Colts had several players also dealing with injuries, including A.J. Haulcy, Tyler Warren, and Josh Downs, all of whom were questionable heading into the game. The absence of these players could have impacted the teams' performances, particularly in critical moments of the game.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Texans favored by 9.5 points, with a total set at 37.5. The odds reflected the Texans' strong form and home advantage, while the Colts' recent struggles were acknowledged in the spread. The moneyline odds were -520 for the Texans and +390 for the Colts, indicating a clear expectation of a Texans victory.

Conditions during the game were typical for a January matchup, contributing to the intensity of the contest. Fans were treated to an exciting display of offensive prowess, with both teams showcasing their capabilities. Viewers were likely to watch for the Texans' high-scoring offense, which has been a hallmark of their recent success, as well as the Colts' attempts to overcome their defensive challenges.

Overall, this game highlighted the Texans' dominance in the series against the Colts, their impressive form, and their ability to perform under pressure. As the season progresses, the Texans will look to build on this momentum, while the Colts will need to regroup and address their defensive issues to turn their fortunes around.

Odds

BookSpreadTotalMoneyline
DraftKingsHOU -9.5 37.5 o -112 / u -108 Indianapolis Colts +390 · Houston Texans -520

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

  • Tank DellInjured ReserveKnee - ACL + MCLHouston Texans
  • Sam HagenInjured ReserveUndisclosedHouston Texans
  • Braden SmithInjured ReserveFootHouston Texans
  • Brevin JordanQuestionableKneeHouston Texans
  • Jadeveon ClowneyQuestionableAnkleHouston Texans
  • A.J. HaulcyQuestionableAnkleIndianapolis Colts
  • Tyler WarrenQuestionableGroinIndianapolis Colts
  • Josh DownsQuestionableCalfIndianapolis Colts
  • Coleman OwenInjured ReserveConcussionIndianapolis Colts
  • D.J. MontgomeryInjured ReserveAbdomenIndianapolis Colts

Leaders

  • Passing yardsC.J. Stroud14/23, 169 YDS, 1 TDHouston Texans
  • Rushing yardsBritish Brooks13 CAR, 63 YDSHouston Texans
  • Receiving yardsXavier Hutchinson5 REC, 84 YDSHouston Texans
  • Passing yardsRiley Leonard21/34, 270 YDS, 2 TD, 1 INTIndianapolis Colts
  • Rushing yardsDJ Giddens8 CAR, 30 YDSIndianapolis Colts
  • Receiving yardsAlec Pierce4 REC, 132 YDS, 2 TDIndianapolis Colts

Recent form

Houston Texans

Last 10: 9-1Streak W823.9 scored · 17.7 allowed per game5-1 at home

  • W20-16at Los Angeles ChargersDec 27
  • W23-21vs Las Vegas RaidersDec 21
  • W40-20vs Arizona CardinalsDec 14
  • W20-10at Kansas City ChiefsDec 8
  • W20-16at Indianapolis ColtsNov 30
  • W23-19vs Buffalo BillsNov 21
  • W16-13at Tennessee TitansNov 16
  • W36-29vs Jacksonville JaguarsNov 9
  • L15-18vs Denver BroncosNov 2
  • W26-15vs San Francisco 49ersOct 26

Indianapolis Colts

Last 10: 3-7Streak L624.2 scored · 25.8 allowed per game1-4 away

  • L17-23vs Jacksonville JaguarsDec 28
  • L27-48vs San Francisco 49ersDec 23
  • L16-18at Seattle SeahawksDec 14
  • L19-36at Jacksonville JaguarsDec 7
  • L16-20vs Houston TexansNov 30
  • L20-23at Kansas City ChiefsNov 23
  • W31-25vs Atlanta FalconsNov 9
  • L20-27at Pittsburgh SteelersNov 2
  • W38-14vs Tennessee TitansOct 26
  • W38-24at Los Angeles ChargersOct 19

Standings

TeamLostPoints againstPoints forTiedWin %WonOverall
Jacksonville154600.66722-1
Tennessee153530.66722-1
Indianapolis272351.16700-2-1
Houston365400.00000-3

Box score

StatIndianapolis ColtsHouston Texans
First downs1922
First downs passing119
First downs rushing710
First downs by penalty13
Third downs8-154-13
Fourth downs1-10-0
Offensive plays6464
Total yards354339
Yards per play5.55.3
Drives1111
Net passing yards278205
Completions22/3517/32
Yards per pass7.76.4
Interceptions thrown10
Sacks allowed1-80-0
Rushing yards76134
Rushing attempts2832
Yards per rush2.74.2
Red zone trips2-42-3
Penalties7-817-77
Turnovers30
Fumbles lost20
Defensive touchdowns01
Time of possession31:4528:15

Win probability

Above the line favours Houston Texans, below favours Indianapolis Colts.

Venue

  • Reliant StadiumHouston, TX
  • Attendance71133
  • OfficialsTom Stephan, Brad Freeman, Mark Pellis, Jabir Walker, Land Clark, Dominique Pender, Jeff Hutcheon

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Fixture data from the league feeds. The report was written from the recorded facts for this game and nothing else.