Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts got off to a fast start and held on for a 33-28 victory over Houston to seize the NFL’s AFC South division lead.
The Colts appeared poised to deliver another Thursday night blowout when they jumped out to a 24-0 first-quarter lead.
But the Texans fought back, and narrowed the gap to 33-28 when defensive end J.J. Watt returned a botched shotgun snap 45 yards for a touchdown.
It was Watt’s third touchdown of the season, and he also sacked Luck twice in another stellar defensive performance.
The Texans rally stalled however, as Houston saw two possessions with less than five minutes remaining end with lost fumbles.
The Colts survived to improve to 4-2, taking sole possession of the division lead over the Texans, who fell to 3-3.
Luck threw for 370 yards with touchdown passes to Ahmad Bradshaw, Coby Fleener and T.Y. Hilton, who finished with nine receptions for 223 yards, one shy of the club’s single-game record.
Arian Foster gained 141 yards from scrimmage and ran for two touchdowns for the Texans, who have now dropped three of their last four.
Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick completed 15-of-23 passes for 212 yards and threw a touchdown pass to Andre Johnson. But both Fitzpatrick and Johnson surrendered crucial late fumbles.
Indianapolis have now won 10 straight games against division rivals and four straight against the Texans.