Overview
- Houston has clinched at least a wild-card berth and can win the AFC South with a victory over Indianapolis plus a Jacksonville loss to Tennessee.
- The Texans have won eight straight, most recently beating the Chargers 20-16 as C.J. Stroud threw two early deep touchdowns and stressed improved late-game execution despite two interceptions.
- Field Level Media reports the Colts, eliminated after a six-game skid, will start rookie quarterback Riley Leonard in the regular-season finale.
- Practice reports this week listed several Houston starters as resting or not participating, while rookie left tackle Aireontae Ersery took part in drills.
- Recent coverage credits Houston with a top-tier defense in key metrics, a foundation that has underpinned the surge from an 0-3 start into the postseason.