What's the score for the colts game? Why the final score matters more than you think

So, you're looking for the latest digits. Honestly, if you’re asking what's the score for the colts game, the answer depends on whether you're looking for the "now" or the "just then." Since we are currently sitting in the middle of January 2026, the Indianapolis Colts are actually done for the year.

Their season finale—the one everyone was biting their nails over—wrapped up on January 4, 2026. The Colts fell to the Houston Texans with a final score of 38-30.

It was a weird one.

The game was played at NRG Stadium, and if you saw the highlights, you know it was basically a microcosm of Indy’s entire roller-coaster season. They fought. They clawed. They even led 30-29 with only two and a half minutes left on the clock after a clutch field goal. But then, the wheels just sorta fell off. Ka'imi Fairbairn, who was basically a cheat code for Houston that day, nailed his sixth field goal of the game—a 43-yarder—with only 12 seconds left. To rub salt in the wound, the Texans scored a defensive touchdown on the very last play of the game when Tommy Togiai scooped up a fumble and took it 17 yards to the house.

Final: 38-30.

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The breakdown: How the Colts' season slipped away

When you look at what's the score for the colts game, you have to look at the context of their 8-9 finish. It’s a bitter pill to swallow because this team started the 2025-2026 season like absolute world-beaters. They were 8-2! People were talking Super Bowl.

Then came the "Seven-Game Slide."

Losing seven straight games to end a season is almost statistically impressive in how painful it is for a fan base. By the time they played that January 4th game against Houston, they were already technically out of the playoff hunt, but there was still some pride on the line.

Quarterback musical chairs

The game against Houston featured rookie Riley Leonard making his first NFL start. It was a bold move by Shane Steichen, especially after the 44-year-old Philip Rivers—who literally came out of retirement—started the previous three games.

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Leonard didn't look bad, actually.

• 270 passing yards.
• 2 passing touchdowns.
• 1 rushing touchdown.

But he also had those "rookie moments," like the late fumble and an interception that gave Houston life when the Colts had the momentum.

The Alec Pierce drama

You can't talk about the score of this game without mentioning Alec Pierce. He was having the game of his life—4 catches for 132 yards and two touchdowns—including a massive 66-yarder in the first quarter that made everyone think Indy might actually pull the upset.

Then, things got heated.

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Pierce was ejected late in the third quarter for "making contact with an official." He was arguing about a non-call in the end zone and accidentally brushed an official’s arm. In today's NFL, that’s an automatic exit. Losing your best deep threat in a one-score game? That’s how a 30-29 lead turns into a 38-30 loss.

Looking ahead to the 2026 season

Since the Colts are sitting out the 2026 playoffs, the front office is already pivoting. Despite the collapse, owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon has decided to stay the course.

1. General Manager Chris Ballard is staying.
2. Head Coach Shane Steichen is staying.

They’re banking on the idea that the "8-2 version" of the team is the real one, and the "0-7 version" was just a result of a decimated roster. Let’s be real: losing guys like DeForest Buckner and Sauce Gardner (who they traded for earlier) to the injury list is a death sentence for any defense.

Who they play next (2026 Opponents)

Since they finished third in the AFC South, their 2026 schedule is already locked in. They’ll be hosting some heavy hitters at Lucas Oil Stadium:

• Baltimore Ravens
• Dallas Cowboys
• Cincinnati Bengals
• Miami Dolphins

They’ve also got some brutal road trips on the horizon, specifically to Philadelphia and Kansas City. If you're planning your travel for next fall, keep an eye on those September dates when the NFL drops the official calendar in May.

Actionable next steps for Colts fans

If you're still processing that 38-30 loss, here is what you should be doing right now:

• Watch the Draft Order: With an 8-9 record, the Colts are picking in the middle of the first round. Keep an eye on the Senior Bowl and Combine to see if they target a permanent solution at secondary or more protection for Leonard.
• Injury Updates: Follow the rehab progress of Braden Smith and Daniel Jones. The 2026 season hinges entirely on whether these guys can actually stay on the turf for more than four weeks at a time.
• Review the Cap Space: The Colts actually have a decent amount of room to play with in free agency this March. Look for them to be aggressive in the "tier two" free agent market to bolster their depth.