Texans score late TD in win over Colts, re-enter playoff conversation

Make that four in a row.

With a fourth-quarter touchdown from Nico Collins, the Houston Texans secured a 20-16 victory over the Indianapolis Colts and remain one game back in the division race for first place. Sitting with a 7-5 record, Houston very well enters the conversation for the AFC Playoffs, including the wild-card race.

Nick Chubb scored the game-tying touchdown in the second quarter after Collins set up Houston inside the 4-yard line. The Pro Bowl receiver finished with five catches for 98 yards, including two catches for 30 yards.

The Texans' defense once again stepped up big, sealing a win by forcing a turnover on downs with 1:45 to play after Daniel Jones had taken Indy to Houston's 31-yard line. Jones, who had been dealing with a leg injury throughout the week, finished with 201 yards and two touchdowns.

Houston's ability to contain Jonathan Taylor was the deal-breaker for any chance of a Colts' comeback. After struggling to move the ball last week in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Taylor was held to 85 yards on 21 carries and failed to score.

C.J. Stroud struggled at times in his return. While he managed to throw for 276 yards after missing the past three games, he also overthrew Xavier Hutchinson in the second quarter, resulting in an interception by Cam Bynum. The Colts would score five plays later on a 19-yard TD pass from Jones to Alec Pierce.

While the Texans rarely scored on offense, they managed to get into field goal range for Ka'imi Fairbairn. Both kicks were made, including a 42-yard field goal in the third quarter.

Several players suffered injuries, but the biggest name only ended up being a stinger. Running back Woody Marks went to the locker room in the first quarter with a foot injury but returned and finished the game, totaling a team-leading 67 rushing yards. Defensive back Jaylen Reed went to the locker room with a forearm injury in the second quarter and did not return.

The Texans remain on the road for next week's matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football.

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans score late TD in win over Colts, re-enter playoff conversation