The primary defacto NFL playoff recreation was actually one.
The Houston Texans have superior to the playoffs – the Indianapolis Colts’ season is over.
Houston took down Indy on the highway, 23-19, to make the playoffs in C.J. Stroud’s rookie season and DeMeco Ryans’ first yr as a head coach.
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Nico Collins #12 of the Houston Texans celebrates a landing with Andrew Beck #47 of the Houston Texans throughout the second quarter in opposition to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 06, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Michael Hickey/Getty Photographs)
Down a landing with 6:20 to go, the Colts marched all the best way contained in the crimson zone, however on 4th and 1, Gardner Minshew threw a dumpoff to Tyler Goodson, who dropped a cross barely behind him, turning the ball over on downs.
Jonathan Taylor wasn’t on the sphere for the season, regardless of having 188 speeding yards on 30 carries.
Houston took a security with a second left to make it a 23-19 recreation – the Colts’ miracle lateral play off the free kick was unsuccessful.
C.J. Stroud #7 and Devin Singletary #26 of the Houston Texans rejoice a landing throughout the fourth quarter in opposition to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 06, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Andy Lyons/Getty Photographs)
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On the Texans’ first play from scrimmage, proper after a Colts subject aim, Stroud discovered Nico Collins for a 75-yard landing. Each groups then mixed for seven straight punts earlier than Houston scored once more – this time, it was Andrew Beck on a one-yarder.
Indy kicked a subject aim simply earlier than the half ended to make it 14-6, after which on their first drive within the second half, Jonathan Taylor bolted for a 49-yard speeding landing. Down two, the Colts went for the tie and bought it on a cross to Mo Allie-Cox.
The Colts pressured one other punt, however Matt Homosexual’s 57-yard subject aim doinked off the upright – Houston responded with Ka’imi Fairbairn drilling a 51-yarder late within the third quarter to provide the Texans a 17-14 lead.
Homosexual bought redemption with a subject aim to start with of the fourth quarter to tie the sport, however the Texans marched down the sphere in response, and Devin Singletary scored from three yards out with 6:20 – however Fairbairn missed the additional level, so Houston was up, 23-17.
However fortunately for them, the disaster was averted.
C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans talks along with his staff throughout the third quarter in opposition to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 06, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Andy Lyons/Getty Photographs)
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Collins picked time for one of the best recreation of his profession – he tied a career-high with 9 catches (a mark he set final month) and had 195 yards (he had 191 yards in that very same December recreation).
It’s Houston’s first playoff berth since 2019 after their 10-7 season – they are going to clinch the AFC South if the Jacksonville Jaguars lose on Sunday. The Colts end the yr 9-8, however with a shiny future, as Anthony Richardson will return below middle.
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