Game story
In Week 17 of the 2017 NFL season on 2017-12-31, the Indianapolis Colts took care of business against the Houston Texans, pulling away with a 22–13 final that built a comfortable lead.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 17 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
J. Brissett (Indianapolis Colts) paced the passing game, with +3.53 total EPA, and -4.2% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, C. Thompson (Houston Texans) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +5.47 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-17.2% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Houston Texans changed the game: (12:12) 77-D.Quessenberry and 61-K.Fuller reported in as eligible. 2-T.Yates sacked in End Zone for -8 yards, SAFETY (91-H.Ridgeway).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Texans | 3 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13 |
| Indianapolis Colts | 0 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 22 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 C. Thompson · Houston Texans · Receiving · +5.47 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.82 EPA/play
- 2 J. Doyle · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +5.16 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.03 EPA/play
- 3 J. Brissett · Indianapolis Colts · Passing · +3.53 total EPA · 31 snaps · +0.11 EPA/play
- 4 T. Yates · Houston Texans · Passing · +2.56 total EPA · 29 snaps · +0.09 EPA/play
- 5 C. Rogers · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +1.91 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.48 EPA/play
- 6 W.Fuller V · Houston Texans · Receiving · +1.84 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.92 EPA/play
- 7 M. Mack · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +1.37 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.46 EPA/play
- 8 J. Prosch · Houston Texans · Receiving · +0.99 total EPA · 1 snaps · +0.99 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
C. Thompson — HOU · Receiving
C. Thompson posted the highest total EPA (+5.47) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Houston Texans's efficiency. Across 3 counted snaps, they averaged +1.82 EPA per play.
The signature play (+2.91 EPA) came from Houston Texans: (4:41) (Shotgun) 2-T.Yates pass deep right to 14-C.Thompson pushed ob at IND 42 for 32 yards (28-C.Milton).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Indianapolis Colts — J. Doyle (J. Brissett pass)
- Houston Texans — A. Blue
- Indianapolis Colts — M. Mack
Field goals
- Houston Texans — K. Fairbairn
- Houston Texans — K. Fairbairn
- Indianapolis Colts — A. Vinatieri
- Indianapolis Colts — A. Vinatieri
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Houston Texans won the period 3–0. Houston Texans connected on a field goal from the IND 34 (Q1 53:20) — (8:20) 7-K.Fairbairn 52 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-9-S.Lechler..
The second quarter: Houston Texans won the period 10–7. Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the HOU 6 (Q2 45:00); Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the HOU 15 (Q2 44:55) — 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-2-R.Sanchez.; Houston Texans found the end zone from the IND 2 (Q2 37:01) — (7:01) (Run formation) 77-D.Quessenberry and 61-K.Fuller reported in as eligible. 28-A.Blue up the middle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Houston Texans added 1 points from the IND 15 (Q2 36:55) — 7-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-9-S.Lechler.; Houston Texans connected on a field goal from the IND 28 (Q2 31:49) — (1:49) 7-K.Fairbairn 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-9-S.Lechler..
The third quarter: Indianapolis Colts won the period 7–0. Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the HOU 1 (Q3 21:57) — (6:57) (Run formation) 61-A.Fabiano and 65-T.Burwell reported in as eligible. 25-M.Mack right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the HOU 15 (Q3 21:51) — 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-2-R.Sanchez..
The fourth quarter: Indianapolis Colts won the period 8–0. Indianapolis Colts registered a safety from the IND 92 (Q4 12:12) — (12:12) 77-D.Quessenberry and 61-K.Fuller reported in as eligible. 2-T.Yates sacked in End Zone for -8 yards, SAFETY (91-H.Ridgeway).; Indianapolis Colts connected on a field goal from the HOU 36 (Q4 8:52) — (8:52) (Field Goal formation) 4-A.Vinatieri 54 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-2-R.Sanchez.; Indianapolis Colts connected on a field goal from the HOU 4 (Q4 0:35) — (:35) (Field Goal formation) 4-A.Vinatieri 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-2-R.Sanchez..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Houston Texans (Q4 12:12) — (12:12) 77-D.Quessenberry and 61-K.Fuller reported in as eligible. 2-T.Yates sacked in End Zone for -8 yards, SAFETY (91-H.Ridgeway).
- Indianapolis Colts (Q1 49:09) — (4:09) (Shotgun) 7-J.Brissett pass short right to 84-J.Doyle pushed ob at HOU 36 for 14 yards (41-Z.Cunningham).
- Houston Texans (Q2 34:41) — (4:41) (Shotgun) 2-T.Yates pass deep right to 14-C.Thompson pushed ob at IND 42 for 32 yards (28-C.Milton).
- Indianapolis Colts (Q1 46:13) — (1:13) (Shotgun) 7-J.Brissett pass deep left to 80-C.Rogers ran ob at HOU 13 for 22 yards.
- Houston Texans (Q3 17:13) — (2:13) (Shotgun) 2-T.Yates scrambles up the middle to HOU 26 for 9 yards (26-C.Geathers).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Houston Texans (Q2 34:41) — (4:41) (Shotgun) 2-T.Yates pass deep right to 14-C.Thompson pushed ob at IND 42 for 32 yards (28-C.Milton).
- Indianapolis Colts (Q4 5:13) — (5:13) (Shotgun) 7-J.Brissett scrambles right end to HOU 39 for 15 yards (35-E.Pleasant).
- Indianapolis Colts (Q1 46:13) — (1:13) (Shotgun) 7-J.Brissett pass deep left to 80-C.Rogers ran ob at HOU 13 for 22 yards.
- Indianapolis Colts (Q4 10:28) — (10:28) (Shotgun) 7-J.Brissett pass short left to 25-M.Mack to HOU 38 for 11 yards (90-J.Clowney) [25-K.Jackson].
Quarterback report card
J.Brissett led all passers in efficiency for Indianapolis Colts, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- J.Brissett (Indianapolis Colts) · 31 dropbacks · 48.4% completion · -4.2% CPOE · +0.11 EPA/play · +3.53 total EPA
- T.Yates (Houston Texans) · 29 dropbacks · 48.3% completion · -1.1% CPOE · +0.09 EPA/play · +2.56 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Houston Texans | Indianapolis Colts |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.011 | +0.064 |
| Offensive success rate | 40.3% | 44.0% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.088 | +0.114 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.210 | -0.006 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.064 | +0.011 |
| Defensive success rate | 56.0% | 59.7% |
By the numbers
Indianapolis Colts held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.06 vs -0.01), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
- Houston Texans: 10 drives, -0.75 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Indianapolis Colts: 10 drives, +5.36 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Indianapolis Colts leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- C. Thompson (Houston Texans) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- J. Brissett (IND) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Houston Texans FG (+3) — Q1 53:20 · IND 34 · Score 3-0
(8:20) 7-K.Fairbairn 52 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-9-S.Lechler. - Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q2 45:00 · HOU 6 · Score 3-6
(15:00) (Run formation) 7-J.Brissett pass short right to 84-J.Doyle for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on HOU-56-B.Cushing, Defensive Offside, declined. - Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q2 44:55 · HOU 15 · Score 3-7
4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-2-R.Sanchez. - Houston Texans TD (+6) — Q2 37:01 · IND 2 · Score 9-7
(7:01) (Run formation) 77-D.Quessenberry and 61-K.Fuller reported in as eligible. 28-A.Blue up the middle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Houston Texans XP (+1) — Q2 36:55 · IND 15 · Score 10-7
7-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-9-S.Lechler. - Houston Texans FG (+3) — Q2 31:49 · IND 28 · Score 13-7
(1:49) 7-K.Fairbairn 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-9-S.Lechler. - Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q3 21:57 · HOU 1 · Score 13-13
(6:57) (Run formation) 61-A.Fabiano and 65-T.Burwell reported in as eligible. 25-M.Mack right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q3 21:51 · HOU 15 · Score 13-14
4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-2-R.Sanchez. - Indianapolis Colts Safety (+2) — Q4 12:12 · IND 92 · Score 13-16
(12:12) 77-D.Quessenberry and 61-K.Fuller reported in as eligible. 2-T.Yates sacked in End Zone for -8 yards, SAFETY (91-H.Ridgeway). - Indianapolis Colts FG (+3) — Q4 8:52 · HOU 36 · Score 13-19
(8:52) (Field Goal formation) 4-A.Vinatieri 54 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-2-R.Sanchez. - Indianapolis Colts FG (+3) — Q4 0:35 · HOU 4 · Score 13-22
(:35) (Field Goal formation) 4-A.Vinatieri 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-2-R.Sanchez.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Houston Texans vs Indianapolis Colts?
The Indianapolis Colts beat the Houston Texans 22-13 in Week 17, 2017 on 2017-12-31.
What was the final score of Houston Texans vs Indianapolis Colts?
The final score was Houston Texans 13, Indianapolis Colts 22 (HOU 13-22 IND) in Week 17, 2017 on 2017-12-31.
What was the score by quarter in Houston Texans vs Indianapolis Colts?
Q1: Houston Texans 3, Indianapolis Colts 0; Q2: Houston Texans 10, Indianapolis Colts 7; Q3: Houston Texans 0, Indianapolis Colts 7; Q4: Houston Texans 0, Indianapolis Colts 8; Final: Houston Texans 13, Indianapolis Colts 22.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Houston Texans vs Indianapolis Colts?
Indianapolis Colts touchdown — J. Doyle (J. Brissett pass) (Q2 45:00) Houston Texans touchdown — A. Blue (Q2 37:01) Indianapolis Colts touchdown — M. Mack (Q3 21:57) Houston Texans field goal — K. Fairbairn (Q1 53:20, 3 pts) Houston Texans field goal — K. Fairbairn (Q2 31:49, 3 pts) Indianapolis Colts field goal — A. Vinatieri (Q4 8:52, 3 pts) Indianapolis Colts field goal — A. Vinatieri (Q4 0:35, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Houston Texans vs Indianapolis Colts?
J. Brissett (Indianapolis Colts), 48.4% completion, -4.2% CPOE, +0.11 EPA per dropback, +3.53 total passing EPA. T. Yates (Houston Texans), 48.3% completion, -1.1% CPOE, +0.09 EPA per dropback, +2.56 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Houston Texans vs Indianapolis Colts?
C. Thompson (Houston Texans) led the game in total EPA with +5.47 on receiving plays. across 3 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+2.91 EPA): (4:41) (Shotgun) 2-T.Yates pass deep right to 14-C.Thompson pushed ob at IND 42 for 32 yards (28-C.Milton).. The biggest win-probability swing was -17.2%.
Season records after this game
Houston Texans
Entered 4-11 Now 4-12 L
Indianapolis Colts
Entered 3-12 Now 4-12 W
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