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The first de facto NFL playoff game was certainly a good one.
The Houston Texans have moved into the playoffs – the Indianapolis Colts' season is over.
Houston defeated Indy 23-19 on the road to reach the playoffs in CJ Stroud's rookie season and DeMeco Ryans' first year as head coach.
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Nico Collins #12 of the Houston Texans celebrates a touchdown with Andrew Beck #47 of the Houston Texans in the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 06, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
After a touchdown with 6:20 left, the Colts marched into the red zone, but on 4th-and-1, Gardner Minshew threw a dumpoff to Tyler Goodson, who dropped a pass just behind him and turned the ball over on downs.
Jonathan Taylor hasn't been on the field this season, although he had 188 rushing yards on 30 carries.
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Houston secured a safety with a second lead, making the game 23:19 – the Colts' miracle lateral play after the free kick was unsuccessful.
CJ Stroud #7 and Devin Singletary #26 of the Houston Texans celebrate a fourth quarter touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 6, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
STEELERS KEEP PLAYOFF HOPES ALIVE WITH SEASON FINALE WIN OVER RAVENS
On the Texans' first play from scrimmage, right after a Colts field goal, Stroud found Nico Collins for a 75-yard touchdown. Both teams then combined for seven punts in a row before Houston scored again – this time it was Andrew Beck with a one-yarder.
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Indy kicked a field goal just before the end of the half to make it 14-6, and then Jonathan Taylor scored a 49-yard touchdown on their first drive of the second half. The Colts tied the game with a pass from Mo Allie-Cox.
The Colts forced another punt, but Matt Gay's 57-yard field goal failed to hit the upright – Houston responded with Ka'imi Fairbairn hitting a 51-yarder late in the third quarter to give the Texans a 17-14 lead provided.
Gay made amends with a field goal early in the fourth quarter and tied the game, but the Texans marched down the field in response and Devin Singletary scored from three yards out with 6:20 to play – but Fairbairn missed the extra point, so Houston was ahead 23-17.
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But fortunately the crisis was averted.
CJ Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans talks to his team during the third quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 6, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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Collins picked a good time to have the best game of his career – he had a career-high nine catches (a mark he set last month) and had 195 yards (he had 191 yards in the same December game).
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It's Houston's first playoff berth since 2019 after a 10-7 season – they'll clinch the AFC South if the Jacksonville Jaguars lose on Sunday. The Colts finish the year 9-8 but have a bright future with Anthony Richardson set to return at center.
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