The Indianapolis Colts (8-9) both failed to make the playoffs and finish above .500, as they fell 38-30 to the Houston Texans (12-5) in the regular season finale. It was their fifth straight loss against the Texans.
With Indianapolis already eliminated from the playoffs two weeks ago, and Houston already knowing it wouldn’t be winning the division (*by peeking at the lopsided Jacksonville score that was running concurrently), this one felt like more than a preseason exhibition but less than a normal
regular season game from an intensity level.
Rookie quarterback Riley Leonard was largely very good in his career debut, completing 21 of 34 pass attempts for 270 total passing yards, 2 touchdowns, an interception, and two fumbles lost (although to be fair, the second lost fumble was on a desperation lateral attempt in the closing seconds). He also rushed for a touchdown.
Featuring mobility, and deep pass completions (even if it came with some crow hops), Leonard was a stark contrast in playing style from 44-year-old Philip Rivers in more recent weeks and offered a truly different dynamic that simply hadn’t been there for Indianapolis offensively.
The biggest beneficiary of Leonard’s downfield targeting was Alec Pierce, who caught 4 receptions for 132 total receiving yards and 2 touchdown receptions before he was ridiculously ejected late in the 3rd quarter for inadvertently bumping into an official while shouting for a penalty flag outside the the end zone.
With his big afternoon, Pierce eclipsed 1,000 total receiving yards on the season for the first time in his career. The pending 2026 free agent is poised for a major pay this upcoming offseason, whether in Indy or elsewhere.
Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin led the Indy defense with 12 tackles (7 solo).
It was largely a quiet day for the Colts defense, which generated 0 turnovers and 0 sacks—and the two of its QB hits actually came from veteran cornerback Kenny Moore II through blitzing. That was even despite Texans backup quarterback Davis Mills relieving starter C.J. Stroud after halftime.
On special teams, Colts kicker Blake Grupe was a perfect 3 for 3 on field goal attempts—including a converted long of 50 yards, as well as on his extra point attempts respectively. However, Texans kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn stole the special teams show, making all six of his field goal attempts in this one.
Colts punter Rigoberto Sanchez had the special teams play of the day, throwing a 16-yard lob pass right on point to veteran tight end Mo Alie-Cox on a converted fake punt attempt, ultimately setting up a made Grupe field goal.
With no playoffs since 2020, it’s shaping up to be an interesting offseason in Indianapolis, where we’ll just have to wait-and-see whether top leadership changes will be made by new team owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon.
