C.J. Stroud leads Texans to victory over Colts in AFC South clash
- C.J. Stroud led the Houston Texans to a 23-20 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, throwing for 285 yards and one touchdown.
- Despite losing star receiver Nico Collins and seeing Stefon Diggs exit due to injury, Stroud performed well against Colts' Anthony Richardson, who struggled initially.
- With this win, the Texans improved to 6-2 and secured their place at the top of the AFC South standings.
On October 27, 2024, the Houston Texans claimed a narrow 23-20 victory over their AFC South rivals, the Indianapolis Colts, at NRG Stadium. C.J. Stroud showcased his skills, completing 25 of 37 passes for 285 yards with a touchdown, solidifying his role as the team's leader even in the absence of key players like Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs, who left the game due to injuries. Additionally, Joe Mixon provided a strong ground game, accumulating 102 rushing yards on 25 attempts and scoring a touchdown. In contrast, Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson struggled in the first half, completing only two of 15 passes for 81 yards and throwing an interception. However, he rebounded in the second half, highlighted by a 69-yard touchdown pass to Josh Downs. Richardson's dual-threat ability was further evidenced by his 20 rushing attempts for 105 yards and a score, demonstrating his capacity to make plays despite his inconsistent passing performance. The outcome of this match was crucial for the Texans, who now boast a 6-2 record and a season sweep over the Colts, winning both encounters this season. With this victory, they firmly established themselves at the top of the AFC South standings, sequentially enhancing their playoff aspirations. The Colts, now at 4-4, faced challenges with their defense despite the return of key player DeForest Buckner. The defeat means they missed a critical opportunity to share the division lead with the Texans, setting the stage for an uphill battle in the remaining part of the season.