What Is The Score Of The Colts Game: Why Indy’s Season Ended This Way

The Indianapolis Colts just finished a season that felt like a fever dream, and if you’re asking what is the score of the colts game, you’re probably looking for the final result of their Week 18 clash. They lost. It wasn't particularly pretty, either. The Colts fell 38-30 to the Houston Texans on January 4, 2026. That loss didn't just end their year; it cemented one of the most historic collapses in the history of the NFL.

Imagine being 7-1. You're cruising. Fans are booking playoff tickets. Then, the wheels don't just come off—they explode. The Colts became the first team in the Super Bowl era to start 7-1 (and even 8-2 at one point) and still finish with a losing record.

The Heartbreak in Houston: What Is The Score Of The Colts Game Right Now?

Since the season is officially over, the "right now" score is a permanent 38-30 in favor of the Texans. This game was a wild ride at NRG Stadium. Riley Leonard, the rookie quarterback Indy has pinned its hopes on, actually had some bright spots. He connected with Alec Pierce for a massive 66-yard touchdown early on. For a second, it looked like Indy might actually spoil Houston’s playoff seeding.

But C.J. Stroud is C.J. Stroud.

The Texans' star was clinical. He only played the first half, but he did enough damage with two touchdowns to keep Indy at arm's length. Ka'imi Fairbairn was the real MVP for Houston, though, nailing six field goals. Six! That’s basically an entire scoring drive's worth of points just from one guy's leg.

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The game ended in typical heartbreaking fashion for the Horseshoe. Trailing by two with seconds left, the Colts tried a desperate lateral play. You’ve seen these—they rarely work. This one ended with a fumble that Tommy Togiai scooped up and returned 17 yards for a touchdown as the clock hit zero. That’s how a 32-30 nail-biter turned into a 38-30 final score.

Breaking Down the Box Score

Honestly, looking at the stats makes the loss feel even weirder.

• Riley Leonard: 21-of-34 for 270 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT.
• Jonathan Taylor: 14 carries for 26 yards.
• Alec Pierce: 2 touchdowns (including that 66-yarder).

Taylor finishing with only 26 yards is the stat that jumps out. He ended the season second in the league in rushing with 1,585 yards, but Houston’s front seven absolutely suffocated him in the finale. When JT can't run, this offense tends to stall out.

Why the 8-9 Finish Matters

So, why are people still searching for what is the score of the colts game weeks later? Because the context is insane. Indy was 8-2 after beating the Falcons in Berlin. They were the talk of the league. Then they hit a seven-game losing streak to end the season. Seven.

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They lost to the Chiefs in overtime. They lost a close one to the Texans at home. Then the wheels totally fell off against the Jaguars and 49ers. By the time they reached Week 18, they were already eliminated from the playoffs.

This isn't just a "bad luck" thing. It’s a roster depth thing. The defense, led by Zaire Franklin and Grover Stewart, played hard, but they were on the field way too much. The team also dealt with the transition of ownership following the passing of Jim Irsay in 2025. His daughters—Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Kalen Jackson, and Casey Foyt—are now running the show. It’s a new era in Indy, and the growing pains are real.

Misconceptions About Riley Leonard

Some fans are already calling for a new QB. That feels a bit reactionary, doesn't it? Leonard was a sixth-round pick who ended up starting. He showed flashes of being a legitimate dual-threat playmaker. His 1-yard touchdown run in the third quarter against Houston put Indy up 24-23 momentarily. He has the size and the arm, but the consistency just isn't there yet.

What’s Next for the Indianapolis Colts?

The 2026 opponents are already set. Since the Colts finished third in the AFC South, they get a "third-place" schedule next year. That sounds easy until you realize they have to play the Dallas Cowboys, the Baltimore Ravens, and a road game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

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General Manager Chris Ballard and Head Coach Shane Steichen are both coming back, but the seat is getting warm. Five years without a playoff appearance is a long time in Indianapolis.

Actionable Next Steps for Fans

If you're looking to keep up with the team during this long offseason, here is what you should be watching:

1. Monitor the Secondary: The Colts struggled against deep passes all year. Expect them to target a high-end cornerback in the 2026 NFL Draft.
2. The Salary Cap Situation: Indy has some room to move. Look for them to potentially bring in a veteran receiver to help Leonard's development.
3. Schedule Release: The full dates for the 2026 season will drop in May. That’s when you can start planning your trips to see them play in Philadelphia or Washington.

The final 30-38 score against Houston was a microcosm of the whole season: moments of brilliance followed by a total collapse. It’s going to be a long winter in Indiana.