No game in NFL Week 18 had more obvious consequences than the Houston Texans' matchup with the Indianapolis Colts.
The winner makes the playoffs. The losing season is over.
The two teams' records are currently 9-7, two-thirds of a three-way tie atop the AFC South with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars can clinch the division with a win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, or the winner of Texans-Colts will clinch the division as well.
The Texans enter the game as slight favorites, largely due to the presence of freshman quarterback CJ Stroud, who is currently the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite. 2023 No. 2 pick has looked electric all season, but missed two games last month with a concussion.
No. The Colts were supposed to have their own rookie quarterback with Anthony Richardson, the No. 4 pick, but he's gone since October. Gardner Minshew has led the team since then, winning six of their last eight games.
Follow Yahoo Sports for highlights and updates from Saturday's game.
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Matt Kay made a 35-yard field goal to tie the game at 17-17.
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Jonathan Taylor is questionable to return with a heel injury #colts
— Bridget Condon (@BridgetCondon_) January 7, 2024
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Honey, Jonathan Taylor suddenly walks to the locker room. Don't know why
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Winning the Colts Challenge. First at Houston 23.
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Stetson thought for a long time. Moss then decided to challenge the spot on the run.
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) January 7, 2024
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Michael Pittman made a huge catch and then received an unnecessary roughing penalty for a 33-yard total gain.
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#Texans Injury Update:
#55 DE Jerry Hughes is questionable with an ankle injury.
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) January 7, 2024
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The Colts' run game suddenly rocks. Their last four rushes have gone for a total of -2 yards.
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Braden Smith is questionable to return with a knee injury. That's a big one. The Colts' run game has renewed it since his return.
— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) January 7, 2024
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Ka'imi Fairbairn made a 51-yard field goal to put the Texans back up 17-14.
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to do
Matt Kay missed the 57th. Still 14-14 and the Texans will start at their own 47 with some solid field position.
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Minshue had a 3rd-and-9 down, and the Colts would attempt a long field goal.
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The Colts averaged 9.5 yards per rush and 3.5 yards per pass.
The Texans averaged 9.2 yards per pass and 2.8 yards per rush.
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Will Anderson Jr. for the injured Jerry Hughes. Jerry seems to have injured his leg or ankle @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) January 7, 2024
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Not just running backs.
Jonathan Taylor has played in 3 win-receptions in his career.
His numbers in those games *so far*: 62 carries, 497 yards, 8 yards per carry
– Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) January 7, 2024
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The Colts running game is at full strength tonight. Zach Moss gains 24 yards on three carries, then Taylor returns for 22 yards. Indy topped 200 rushing yards on 21 carries.
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This Colts crowd is fully back at it. The Texans post a three-and-out and are suddenly in a very shaky place.
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Here's a 2-point conversion.
