So, you’re looking for the score of the Indianapolis Colts game from the Week 18 regular-season finale. Honestly, if you just saw the final 38-30 score on a ticker, you missed about half the drama. It wasn't just a loss to the Houston Texans; it was a bizarre, chaotic, and frankly frustrating end to an 8-9 season that left fans with a lot of "what ifs."
The game wrapped up on January 4, 2026, at NRG Stadium. It was a rollercoaster. One minute the Colts are leading late in the fourth, and the next, a wild fumble return as time expires turns a close two-point loss into an eight-point margin that looks a lot worse on paper than it actually was on the field.
Breaking Down the Score of the Indianapolis Colts Game
If you look at the box score, the Colts actually led 30-29 with under three minutes to go. Blake Grupe had just nailed a 22-yard field goal. It felt like they might actually steal one on the road to finish the year. But Houston’s Ka’imi Fairbairn was basically a cheat code in this game. He hit a 43-yarder with 12 seconds left to put the Texans up 32-30.
Then came the "Colts moment." In a desperate attempt to lateral the ball around on the final kickoff/play, the ball ended up on the turf. Houston's Tommy Togiai scooped it up and ran 17 yards for a touchdown. No time left. Final score: 38-30.
The Riley Leonard Era Begins?
With 44-year-old Philip Rivers (yes, he really came out of retirement for a three-game stint) hitting the bench, rookie Riley Leonard got his first NFL start. He was... actually pretty good?
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- Passing: 21 for 34, 270 yards, 2 TDs.
- Rushing: A 1-yard TD run that briefly gave Indy the lead in the third.
- The Downside: One interception and two lost fumbles (including that final chaotic play).
Leonard showed a ton of poise. He connected with Alec Pierce for a massive 66-yard touchdown in the first quarter that had everyone thinking the upset was on. But the consistency just wasn't there for four full quarters.
Why the Scoreboard Lied a Little Bit
The Texans actually pulled C.J. Stroud at halftime. They had already clinched a playoff spot and, since the Jaguars were blowing out the Titans, Houston knew they weren't winning the division. So, the Colts were playing against Houston's backups for the entire second half.
The fact that the Colts couldn't put away a team led by Davis Mills is what’s eating at the fanbase right now. DeMeco Ryans basically dared Indy to win, and the Colts couldn't do it.
The Alec Pierce Ejection
You can't talk about this game without mentioning Alec Pierce. He was having a career day—132 yards and two scores—before he got tossed in the third quarter. He supposedly made contact with an official while arguing for a pass interference call.
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When your best deep threat leaves the game in a tie, it changes everything. The offense felt stagnant after that, relying heavily on Jonathan Taylor, who had a rough day. 14 carries for 26 yards? That’s not the JT we’re used to seeing. He finished the season second in the NFL rushing race behind James Cook, but this game was a "clunker" to end a great individual campaign.
Looking Forward to the 2026 Offseason
The 8-9 finish means the Colts are officially in "evaluation mode." Shane Steichen and Chris Ballard are confirmed to be coming back, but there are massive questions at quarterback. Was Riley Leonard's performance enough to skip the QB market in the draft? Probably not, but it gave them something to think about.
Indy finished third in the AFC South. That means their 2026 opponents are already set. They’ll be facing the AFC North and NFC East next year. That's a brutal draw. They have to travel to places like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Kansas City (for a crossover game).
If you're tracking the score of the Indianapolis Colts game to see where they pick in the draft, the loss helps their position, but the "seven-game losing streak" to end the season is a heavy cloud hanging over Lucas Oil Stadium.
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What the Colts Need to Do Now
The season is over, so the focus shifts to the scouting combine and free agency. Here is what's actually on the to-do list for this team:
- Figure out the QB room: Is it Leonard, a high draft pick, or do they beg Rivers to stay one more year? (Please, no).
- Secondary help: The defense didn't record a single sack against Houston's line. That’s a problem.
- Wide Receiver depth: When Pierce went out, the passing game died. Michael Pittman Jr. needs a consistent #2.
The 38-30 loss to Houston was a microcosm of the whole year. Flashes of brilliance, special teams mistakes, and an inability to finish. Now, we wait for the draft.
Practical Next Steps for Colts Fans:
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the NFL Scouting Combine schedules starting in February. With the season officially over, the Colts' draft slot is solidified in the middle of the pack, and the front office will be looking specifically for edge rusher depth and a potential long-term solution under center. Check the official Colts app for the year-end press conferences with Ballard and Steichen to hear their specific take on the Riley Leonard start.