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4w ago

Texans Finish 12-5, Draw Steelers for Monday Night Wild-Card as Fairbairn Ties NFL Record

Houston’s reward is a Monday night wild-card trip to Pittsburgh.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Riley Leonard (15) leaps past Houston Texans cornerback Ja'marcus Ingram (42) as he runs the ball into the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game in Houston, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.
Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills (10) scrambles out of the pocket as he is pressured by the Indianapolis Colts defense during the second half of an NFL football game in Houston, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.
Houston Texans running back Woody Marks (27) dives over Indianapolis Colts cornerback Cameron Mitchell (43) for a short gain and a first down during the first half of an NFL football game in Houston, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.
Houston Texans safety Jalen Pitre (5) stops Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) at the line of scrimmage, with defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) and defensive tackle Tommy Togiai (72) coming in to assist during the first half of an NFL football game in Houston, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.

Overview

  • Houston beat Indianapolis 38-30 to secure the AFC’s No. 5 seed and the franchise’s best finish since 2012.
  • Ka'imi Fairbairn hit six field goals, including a late go-ahead kick, giving him 44 this season to tie David Akers’ NFL single-season mark in just 15 games at 91.7%.
  • The Texans closed the regular season on a nine-game winning streak.
  • With Jacksonville clinching the AFC South earlier, Houston rested several starters after halftime as C.J. Stroud logged two first-half touchdowns, Davis Mills led the decisive drive, and Tommy Togiai sealed it with a final-play fumble return.
  • The wild-card matchup is set for next Monday night on ESPN in Pittsburgh, where the AFC North champion Steelers await; Colts rookie Riley Leonard threw for 270 yards with three total touchdowns as Alec Pierce was ejected after two scores.