Mon Jan 05 04:40:00 UTC 2026: Here’s a summary and rewrite of the text as a news article:

Summary:

The Houston Texans secured a playoff berth as the AFC’s #5 seed, defeating the Indianapolis Colts 38-30. Despite resting key starters in the second half, the Texans extended their winning streak to nine games. Rookie QB C.J. Stroud had two touchdowns in the first half, and Ka’imi Fairbairn kicked a late go-ahead field goal to secure the win. The Colts, led by first-time starter QB Riley Leonard, struggled to close out the game, losing their seventh straight. The Texans are headed to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers in the first round of the playoffs.

News Article:

Texans Clinch Playoff Berth with Victory Over Colts, Set to Face Steelers

HOUSTON – The Houston Texans are playoff-bound! In a game that saw the Texans resting key starters in the second half, the team pulled out a 38-30 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, securing the #5 seed in the AFC playoffs. The win extends the Texans’ remarkable winning streak to nine games and sets up a Wild Card matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers next week.

Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud continued his impressive season, accounting for two touchdowns before being sidelined at halftime. With the AFC South title essentially out of reach, Coach DeMeco Ryans opted to rest Stroud, along with defensive stars Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter, and Derek Stingley, after the break.

The game remained tight, with the Colts taking a late lead before Ka’imi Fairbairn delivered a clutch 43-yard field goal with just 12 seconds remaining to put Houston ahead. A fumble recovery returned for a touchdown by Tommy Togiai on the final play sealed the victory.

“Our guys were able to accomplish a lot of great things,” said Ryans. “I’m proud our guys for continuing to battle every single week.”

The Colts, led by rookie quarterback Riley Leonard, making his first NFL start, fought hard but ultimately fell short. Leonard threw for 270 yards and two touchdowns but also threw an interception. Alec Pierce had a strong game for the Colts with 132 receiving yards and two touchdowns before being ejected in the third quarter for making contact with an official.

The loss marks the seventh straight for the Colts (8-9), who were eliminated from playoff contention last week. “It was frustrating,” Colts coach Shane Steichen said. “The last half of this season, for sure. That’s what it’s been—not finding ways to finish. We’ve got to work tirelessly on getting that fixed.”

The Texans (12-5) head into the playoffs as one of the league’s hottest teams. The Texans’ improbable journey from an 0-3 start to a playoff berth is a testament to their resilience and determination, making them a dangerous opponent in the AFC playoff picture.

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