Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) celebrates with wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson (19) after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the Indianapolis Colts. Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Texans make AFC South race interesting with upset win over Colts

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Nov 30, 2025 4:21 PM ET

Through 10 weeks of the NFL season, it appeared that the Indianapolis Colts would be runaway winners of the AFC South.

The combination of Daniel Jones, Jonathan Taylor and a stellar Colts defense had the team in firm control of the division. Fast forward just three weeks and the Colts' margin for error is slim to none for the remainder of the season.

Texans pull off the upset

The Houston Texans marched into Indianapolis on Sunday and knocked off the AFC South leading Colts 20-16. The four-point win for Houston was its fourth straight overall, as well as fourth straight in a one possession game.

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud completed 22-of-35 attempts for 276 yards and an interception. The Houston ground game was the story, as it rushed for 108 yards and two touchdowns.

Things we love to see... THAT‼️#ProBowlVote + @lbg_nico7

: @nfloncbs / @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/Vv18o80jkA
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) November 30, 2025

AFC South race heating up

With the loss, the Colts fell to 8-4 on the season. They now hold just a one-game lead over the Texans and are tied atop the division with Jacksonville Jaguars.

Jacksonville and Indianapolis have not yet played this season, meaning they'll play twice in the final five weeks of the regular season.

Remaining Colts schedule is worrisome

Indianapolis will also have to matchup with Houston again this season and that will be on the road in Week 18. Three of the final five games of the season for the Colts will come against divisional opponents.

The other two games? Those will be against the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks. The five-game stretch to end the season for Indianapolis may be the toughest for any team in the NFL and it could turn the Colts from runaway division winners to wild-card hopefuls.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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