Game story
In Week 6 of the 2021 NFL season on 2021-10-17, the Indianapolis Colts took care of business against the Houston Texans, pulling away with a 31–3 final that controlled the game from start to finish.
The highest-scoring period was Q3 with 14 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
D. Mills (Houston Texans) paced the passing game, with -10.04 total EPA, and -2.0% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, J. Taylor (Indianapolis Colts) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +8.33 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+13.2% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Indianapolis Colts changed the game: (1:59) 2-C.Wentz pass deep left to 1-P.Campbell for 51 yards, TOUCHDOWN. HOU-8-T.Brooks was injured during the play. He is Out.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Texans | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Indianapolis Colts | 7 | 3 | 14 | 7 | 0 | 31 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 J. Taylor · Indianapolis Colts · Rushing · +8.33 total EPA · 14 snaps · +0.59 EPA/play
- 2 T. Hilton · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +6.69 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.67 EPA/play
- 3 C. Wentz · Indianapolis Colts · Passing · +6.04 total EPA · 23 snaps · +0.26 EPA/play
- 4 P. Campbell · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +4.97 total EPA · 1 snaps · +4.97 EPA/play
- 5 B. Cooks · Houston Texans · Receiving · +2.90 total EPA · 13 snaps · +0.22 EPA/play
- 6 M. Pittman · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +1.47 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.49 EPA/play
- 7 N. Hines · Indianapolis Colts · Rushing · +1.04 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.26 EPA/play
- 8 P. Lindsay · Houston Texans · Receiving · +0.95 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.48 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
J. Taylor — IND · Rushing
J. Taylor posted the highest total EPA (+8.33) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Indianapolis Colts's efficiency. Across 14 counted snaps, they averaged +0.59 EPA per play.
The signature play (+5.37 EPA) came from Indianapolis Colts: (8:53) 28-J.Taylor left end to HOU 5 for 83 yards (39-T.Mitchell).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Indianapolis Colts — P. Campbell (C. Wentz pass)
- Indianapolis Colts — M. Alie-Cox (C. Wentz pass)
- Indianapolis Colts — J. Taylor
- Indianapolis Colts — J. Taylor
Field goals
- Indianapolis Colts — M. Badgley
- Houston Texans — K. Fairbairn
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Indianapolis Colts won the period 7–0. Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the HOU 51 (Q1 46:59) — (1:59) 2-C.Wentz pass deep left to 1-P.Campbell for 51 yards, TOUCHDOWN. HOU-8-T.Brooks was injured during the play. He is Out.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the HOU 15 (Q1 46:52) — 6-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez..
The second quarter: The quarter finished even at 3–3. Indianapolis Colts connected on a field goal from the HOU 23 (Q2 43:04) — (13:04) 6-M.Badgley 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez.; Houston Texans connected on a field goal from the IND 13 (Q2 36:20) — (6:20) 7-K.Fairbairn 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-11-C.Johnston..
The third quarter: Indianapolis Colts won the period 14–0. Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the HOU 28 (Q3 26:56) — (11:56) 2-C.Wentz pass deep left to 81-M.Alie-Cox for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the HOU 15 (Q3 26:50) — 6-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez.; Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the HOU 4 (Q3 21:40) — (6:40) (Shotgun) 28-J.Taylor up the middle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the HOU 15 (Q3 21:37) — 6-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez..
The fourth quarter: Indianapolis Colts won the period 7–0. Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the HOU 11 (Q4 4:51) — (4:51) 28-J.Taylor left guard for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the HOU 15 (Q4 4:47) — 6-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Indianapolis Colts (Q1 46:59) — (1:59) 2-C.Wentz pass deep left to 1-P.Campbell for 51 yards, TOUCHDOWN. HOU-8-T.Brooks was injured during the play. He is Out.
- Houston Texans (Q3 27:44) — (12:44) 10-D.Mills pass short middle intended for 12-N.Collins INTERCEPTED by 53-D.Leonard at HOU 32. 53-D.Leonard to HOU 28 for 4 yards (12-N.Collins).
- Indianapolis Colts (Q2 44:11) — (14:11) 2-C.Wentz pass deep right to 13-T.Hilton to HOU 28 for 52 yards (1-L.Johnson).
- Houston Texans (Q1 50:57) — (5:57) (Shotgun) 10-D.Mills sacked at 50 for -9 yards (99-D.Buckner).
- Indianapolis Colts (Q3 26:56) — (11:56) 2-C.Wentz pass deep left to 81-M.Alie-Cox for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Indianapolis Colts (Q3 23:53) — (8:53) 28-J.Taylor left end to HOU 5 for 83 yards (39-T.Mitchell).
- Houston Texans (Q3 27:44) — (12:44) 10-D.Mills pass short middle intended for 12-N.Collins INTERCEPTED by 53-D.Leonard at HOU 32. 53-D.Leonard to HOU 28 for 4 yards (12-N.Collins).
- Houston Texans (Q4 10:40) — (10:40) (Shotgun) 31-D.Johnson up the middle to IND 37 for 6 yards (53-D.Leonard). FUMBLES (53-D.Leonard), RECOVERED by IND-37-K.Willis at IND 37.
- Indianapolis Colts (Q1 46:59) — (1:59) 2-C.Wentz pass deep left to 1-P.Campbell for 51 yards, TOUCHDOWN. HOU-8-T.Brooks was injured during the play. He is Out.
Quarterback report card
D.Mills led all passers in efficiency for Houston Texans, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- D.Mills (Houston Texans) · 47 dropbacks · 61.7% completion · -2.0% CPOE · -0.21 EPA/play · -10.04 total EPA
- C.Wentz (Indianapolis Colts) · 23 dropbacks · 47.8% completion · -1.1% CPOE · +0.26 EPA/play · +6.04 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Houston Texans | Indianapolis Colts |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.208 | +0.205 |
| Offensive success rate | 37.8% | 46.0% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.214 | +0.263 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.250 | +0.302 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.205 | +0.208 |
| Defensive success rate | 54.0% | 62.2% |
By the numbers
Indianapolis Colts held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.20 vs -0.21), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
- Houston Texans: 11 drives, -18.74 total EPA, 1 scoring drives
- Indianapolis Colts: 11 drives, +12.92 total EPA, 5 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.
- J. Taylor (Indianapolis Colts) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q1 46:59 · HOU 51 · Score 0-6
(1:59) 2-C.Wentz pass deep left to 1-P.Campbell for 51 yards, TOUCHDOWN. HOU-8-T.Brooks was injured during the play. He is Out. - Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q1 46:52 · HOU 15 · Score 0-7
6-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez. - Indianapolis Colts FG (+3) — Q2 43:04 · HOU 23 · Score 0-10
(13:04) 6-M.Badgley 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez. - Houston Texans FG (+3) — Q2 36:20 · IND 13 · Score 3-10
(6:20) 7-K.Fairbairn 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-11-C.Johnston. - Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q3 26:56 · HOU 28 · Score 3-16
(11:56) 2-C.Wentz pass deep left to 81-M.Alie-Cox for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q3 26:50 · HOU 15 · Score 3-17
6-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez. - Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q3 21:40 · HOU 4 · Score 3-23
(6:40) (Shotgun) 28-J.Taylor up the middle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q3 21:37 · HOU 15 · Score 3-24
6-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez. - Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q4 4:51 · HOU 11 · Score 3-30
(4:51) 28-J.Taylor left guard for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q4 4:47 · HOU 15 · Score 3-31
6-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Houston Texans vs Indianapolis Colts?
The Indianapolis Colts beat the Houston Texans 31-3 in Week 6, 2021 on 2021-10-17.
What was the final score of Houston Texans vs Indianapolis Colts?
The final score was Houston Texans 3, Indianapolis Colts 31 (HOU 3-31 IND) in Week 6, 2021 on 2021-10-17.
What was the score by quarter in Houston Texans vs Indianapolis Colts?
Q1: Houston Texans 0, Indianapolis Colts 7; Q2: Houston Texans 3, Indianapolis Colts 3; Q3: Houston Texans 0, Indianapolis Colts 14; Q4: Houston Texans 0, Indianapolis Colts 7; Final: Houston Texans 3, Indianapolis Colts 31.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Houston Texans vs Indianapolis Colts?
Indianapolis Colts touchdown — P. Campbell (C. Wentz pass) (Q1 46:59) Indianapolis Colts touchdown — M. Alie-Cox (C. Wentz pass) (Q3 26:56) Indianapolis Colts touchdown — J. Taylor (Q3 21:40) Indianapolis Colts touchdown — J. Taylor (Q4 4:51) Indianapolis Colts field goal — M. Badgley (Q2 43:04, 3 pts) Houston Texans field goal — K. Fairbairn (Q2 36:20, 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?
D. Mills (Houston Texans), 61.7% completion, -2.0% CPOE, -0.21 EPA per dropback, -10.04 total passing EPA. C. Wentz (Indianapolis Colts), 47.8% completion, -1.1% CPOE, +0.26 EPA per dropback, +6.04 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Houston Texans vs Indianapolis Colts?
J. Taylor (Indianapolis Colts) led the game in total EPA with +8.33 on rushing plays. across 14 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+5.37 EPA): (8:53) 28-J.Taylor left end to HOU 5 for 83 yards (39-T.Mitchell).. The biggest win-probability swing was +13.2%.
Season records after this game
Houston Texans
Entered 1-4 Now 1-5 L
Indianapolis Colts
Entered 1-4 Now 2-4 W
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