The Houston Texans notched a close win against their rival the Indianapolis Colts 20-17. This was a prime-time Thursday Night Football game, which means the Texans donned their Color Rush uniforms. It was also Texans Salute to Service Day, meaning all members of the armed forces were honored for their service. The win gives the Texans the chance to host another Wild Card match-up come January.

First Quarter (3-0)

The Colts received the kickoff, starting their drive on their 25 yard line. Houston’s defense effectively stymied their attack, forcing Indy to punt. Turns out Indy’s defense is also good, because they were able to stop Deshaun Watson and Co. from scoring on their opening drive. Again, the Texan’s defense quickly stamped out Indy’s offense, forcing another punt. Houston’s offense slowly got their wheels turning, when Watson rifled a pass to tight end Darren Fells while escaping pressure. This pass went for 25 yards and the first down. Unfortunately, they couldn’t score a touchdown,  having to settle for a 35 yard field goal.

Second Quarter (10-10)

The Colts got the ball after the made field goal but again could not move the ball down the field. As soon as Houston’s offense were on the field, Watson gets his pass tipped, then picked off. The interception gave Indy excellent field position and with it they scored a touchdown. It was a simple TD, the quarterback for Indy (Jacoby Brissett) faked a hand-off to the running back and ran to his right side, scoring easily. The point after was good, giving Indy the lead. Houston quickly responded with a touchdown of their own. It was a deep pass from Watson to DeAndre Hopkins (who was wide open). The extra point was good, causing the Texans to retake the lead. Since there were less than 2 minutes left before the half, all Houston had to do was park the bus on defense. But I guessed they missed the signal, because they let Indy score a field goal before the clock hit zero. The game was now level at halftime.

Third Quarter (20-17)

With the game tied 10 all, the Texans were eager to receive the kickoff and score. But that would not be. They were moving smoothly down the field, but stalled out. They tried going for it on fourth down, but were unable to get it. This was great for Indy because they were able to score another touchdown, a 13 yard power run up the middle from the running back Jonathan Williams. After making the PAT, Indy were now on top. This alarmed the Texans. With the next possession, Watson threw a big-time drop-back throw to Will Fuller that went for 51 yards. They couldn’t get much from that, going for a field goal in order to keep the game close. Houston’s defense stopped the Colts offense dead in their tracks during their turn to move the ball. With the stop, Houston looked primed to score. After the punt, Watson handed to ball of to Carlos Hyde, who exploded for a 33 yard gain. Watson and Co. kept the ball rolling, ending with another great pass from Deshaun Watson to DeAndre Hopkins for the score. With the made extra point, the Houston Texans retook the lead and would later go on to win the game.

Fourth Quarter (20-17)

Both teams had chances to score more points, but defense from both of them shut that down. This win puts the Houston Texans firmly in place for another home wild card match-up, possibly against Oakland. With the loss, the Colts ceded the lead of the division and lost their place in the playoff standings. However, they are still in the hunt and should probably make it with the way the AFC has been so far.

Los Highlights del Partido en Espanol

Game Notes…

Deshaun Watson’s pick in the second quarter was first pick in his last 10 home games.

Jacoby Brissett has 1+ rushing touchdown in two straight games for the first time in his career.

DeAndre Hopkins has 1+ receiving touchdown in five straight games against the Colts.

Jonathan Williams is the 6th different running back with 15+ fantasy points in a game against the Texans this season.

Fantasy Stats…

Deshaun Watson (QB, HOU) – 18.92 Points (298 Passing Yards with 2 Passing TDs and 1 Interception + 10 Rushing Yards)

Jacoby Brissett (QB, IND) – 13.16 Points (129 Passing Yards + 20 Rushing Yards and 1 Rushing TD)

Jonathan Williams (RB, IND) – 21.1 Points (104 Rushing Yards and 1 Rushing TD + 3 Receptions for 17 Yards)

DeAndre Hopkins (WR, HOU) – 27.4 Points (6 Receptions for 94 Yards and 2 Receiving TDs)

Will Fuller (WR, HOU) – 21 Points (7 Receptions for 140 Yards)