So, you’re looking for the final damage. If you’re asking what is the score of the Indianapolis Colts game, the answer is a tough one to swallow for the blue and white faithful. The Colts officially wrapped up their 2025-2026 campaign with a 38-30 loss against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
This wasn’t just any loss. It was the final nail in a season that started with so much promise—remember that 7-1 start?—and ended in a tailspin.
The game, played on January 4, 2026, was a chaotic, high-scoring affair that basically summed up the entire Indy season. One minute you’re up, the next you’re watching a fumble return for a touchdown as the clock hits zero. Seriously.
How the Colts vs. Texans game fell apart
Honestly, it started out pretty well. Riley Leonard, who has been under the microscope all year, actually came out swinging. He connected with Alec Pierce for a massive 66-yard touchdown early in the first quarter. For a second there, it looked like Indy might actually spoil Houston’s playoff seeding.
The first half was a back-and-forth slugfest. Blake Grupe knocked through a 50-yarder, and the Colts were actually leading 10-6 at the end of the first. But C.J. Stroud is... well, he’s C.J. Stroud. The Texans' quarterback took over in the second quarter, throwing a touchdown to Jayden Higgins and then scrambling for one himself after a Leonard fumble.
By halftime, the Colts were down 23-17. Not ideal, but definitely within striking distance.
📖 Related: NFL Football Teams in Order: Why Most Fans Get the Hierarchy Wrong
The Alec Pierce ejection and the turning point
The third quarter was pure drama. The Colts fought back to take a 24-23 lead off a short Riley Leonard rushing touchdown. Alec Pierce was having the game of his life—132 yards and two scores—but then things got weird. Late in the third, Pierce was ejected for making contact with an official.
Losing your best deep threat in a must-win game? That’s a recipe for disaster.
Even without him, the Colts managed to keep it a one-score game. They were actually up 27-26 early in the fourth quarter after a field goal. But the defense just couldn't hold. Ka'imi Fairbairn, Houston's kicker, was basically a machine, hitting multiple field goals to put the Texans back on top.
The final score and that bizarre ending
With about 17 seconds left, the Colts were down 32-30. They had a slim chance. But instead of a "Miracle in Houston," we got a mess.
On the final play, Riley Leonard tried a desperate series of laterals. He threw it to Josh Downs, who flipped it to Michael Pittman Jr., who tried to get it back to Leonard. The ball hit the turf. Houston's Tommy Togiai scooped it up and ran it 17 yards for a touchdown as time expired.
👉 See also: Why Your 1 Arm Pull Up Progression Isn't Working (And How to Fix It)
That’s how a 32-30 game suddenly looks like a 38-30 blowout on the scoreboard. It was a brutal way to end the year.
Season stats: A tale of two halves
If you look at the final box score, the numbers aren't terrible, which almost makes it more frustrating.
Riley Leonard finished 21-of-34 for 270 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Jonathan Taylor, who has been the engine of this offense, had a surprisingly quiet afternoon with only 63 yards on 13 carries. He still finished the season with 1,585 rushing yards—good for second in the NFL—but Houston's front seven definitely had his number in the finale.
The defense, led by Zaire Franklin and Grover Stewart, spent way too much time on the field. Houston won the time of possession battle, holding the ball for nearly 32 minutes. When you’re playing a quarterback like Stroud, you can't give him that many chances to pick you apart.
What this means for the Colts' future
The loss moved the Colts to a final record of 8-9. It is officially the first time since the 2012 Chicago Bears that a team started 7-1 and managed to miss the playoffs entirely. That's a stat nobody wants to be associated with.
✨ Don't miss: El Salvador partido de hoy: Why La Selecta is at a Critical Turning Point
Indy finished third in the AFC South, behind the division-winning Jaguars and the second-place Texans. Because of that third-place finish, we already know what the 2026 schedule looks like. They’ll be facing the AFC North and the NFC East next year.
Here’s the silver lining (if you can call it that):
- Draft Position: Missing the playoffs means a better pick. The Colts will likely be picking in the middle of the first round, and they desperately need secondary help.
- Alec Pierce's Growth: Despite the ejection, Pierce proved he can be a legitimate WR1.
- The Running Game: Jonathan Taylor is still in his prime. If the offensive line can stay healthy, the ground game remains elite.
The 2025 season is in the books. It was a rollercoaster that ended in a ditch in Houston. If you were hoping for a different answer to what is the score of the Indianapolis Colts game, you’re not alone—most of Indiana is right there with you.
For those looking ahead, the focus now shifts to the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency. The Colts have some massive decisions to make regarding the quarterback position and the defensive backfield if they want to avoid another late-season collapse. Keep an eye on the scouting combine in February; that’s where the next chapter of Colts football actually begins.
Check the official NFL schedule releases in May to see exactly when the Colts will get their chance at revenge against the Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Until then, we’re all just left wondering "what if" about that 7-1 start.
Next Steps for Colts Fans:
- Review the 2026 Opponents list—Indy will host the Cowboys and Ravens at home next year.
- Monitor the recovery of the defensive secondary; injuries were a huge factor in the December slide.
- Stay tuned for the NFL Combine results to see which deep-threat receivers might complement Alec Pierce next season.