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NFL · Week 8 · October 27, 2024 · 12 min read

Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans: 2024 Week 8 Recap

Texans defeat Colts 23–20 in Week 8

C.J. Stroud led Fantasy Impact as Texans prevailed in a 20–23 Week 8 finish.

Indianapolis Colts 20 4–4
Final 20–23
Houston Texans 23 6–2 Winner
Winner
Houston Texans
Final score
20–23
Halftime
Indianapolis Colts 10–17 Houston Texans
Top passer
C.J. Stroud
FantasyHQ MVP
C.J. Stroud
Game date
October 27, 2024

Top fantasy performers · Colts

  • Josh Downs
    Josh Downs 4 REC · 109 YDS · 2 TD +2.7 Fantasy Impact
  • Anthony Richardson
    Anthony Richardson 3 CAR · 22 YDS +1.9 Fantasy Impact
  • Jawaan Taylor
    Jawaan Taylor 1 REC · 12 YDS +1.5 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Texans

  • C.J. Stroud
    C.J. Stroud 25/41 · 267 YDS · 1 TD +5.8 Fantasy Impact
  • Robert Woods
    Robert Woods 2 REC · 18 YDS +2.9 Fantasy Impact
  • Tank Dell
    Tank Dell 4 REC · 35 YDS · 1 TD +2.6 Fantasy Impact
View Colts vs Texans box score View all 2024 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Houston Texans
Final score
Houston Texans 23–20 Indianapolis Colts
Halftime
Indianapolis Colts 10–17 Houston Texans at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
C.J. Stroud
Top passer
C.J. Stroud
Biggest EPA play
(1:01) (Shotgun) 5-A.Richardson pass deep left to 1-J.Downs for 69 yards, TOUCHDOWN [91-F.…
Game date
2024-10-27

Game summary

The Houston Texans beat the Indianapolis Colts 23–20 on 2024-10-27. C.J. Stroud posted a game-high +5.80 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 14 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Indianapolis Colts10037020
Houston Texans31433023

Scoring Map

Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.

INDIndianapolis Colts
HOUHouston Texans

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

13 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. HOUHouston Texans
    Q1 11:18FG
    Ka'imi Fairbairn

    Points+3

    Yard line
    IND 16
    Score
    0-3

    (11:18) 15-K.Fairbairn 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-6-T.Townsend.

  2. INDIndianapolis Colts
    Q1 10:03FG
    Matt Gay

    Points+3

    Yard line
    HOU 28
    Score
    3-3

    (10:03) 7-M.Gay 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez.

  3. INDIndianapolis Colts
    Q1 1:01TD
    Josh Downs

    Points+6

    Yard line
    HOU 69
    Score
    9-3

    (1:01) (Shotgun) 5-A.Richardson pass deep left to 1-J.Downs for 69 yards, TOUCHDOWN [91-F.Fatukasi].

  4. INDIndianapolis Colts
    Q1 0:50XP
    Matt Gay

    Points+1

    Yard line
    HOU 15
    Score
    10-3

    7-M.Gay extra point is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez.

  5. HOUHouston Texans
    Q2 10:12TD
    Joe Mixon

    Points+6

    Yard line
    IND 14
    Score
    10-9

    (10:12) 28-J.Mixon up the middle for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN. HOU-54-J.Patterson was injured during the play.

  6. HOUHouston Texans
    Q2 10:04XP
    Ka'imi Fairbairn

    Points+1

    Yard line
    IND 15
    Score
    10-10

    15-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-6-T.Townsend.

  7. HOUHouston Texans
    Q2 0:23TD
    Tank Dell

    Points+6

    Yard line
    IND 7
    Score
    10-16

    (:23) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass short right to 3-T.Dell for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  8. HOUHouston Texans
    Q2 0:17XP
    Ka'imi Fairbairn

    Points+1

    Yard line
    IND 15
    Score
    10-17

    15-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-6-T.Townsend.

  9. HOUHouston Texans
    Q3 7:55FG
    Ka'imi Fairbairn

    Points+3

    Yard line
    IND 16
    Score
    10-20

    (7:55) 15-K.Fairbairn 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-6-T.Townsend.

  10. INDIndianapolis Colts
    Q3 2:04FG
    Matt Gay

    Points+3

    Yard line
    HOU 18
    Score
    13-20

    (2:04) 7-M.Gay 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez.

  11. HOUHouston Texans
    Q4 12:24FG
    Ka'imi Fairbairn

    Points+3

    Yard line
    IND 16
    Score
    13-23

    (12:24) 15-K.Fairbairn 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-6-T.Townsend.

  12. INDIndianapolis Colts
    Q4 8:34TD
    Jawaan Taylor

    Points+6

    Yard line
    HOU 1
    Score
    19-23

    (8:34) (Shotgun) 28-J.Taylor right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

  13. INDIndianapolis Colts
    Q4 8:32XP
    Matt Gay

    Points+1

    Yard line
    HOU 15
    Score
    20-23

    7-M.Gay extra point is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1C.J. StroudC.J. Stroud · Houston Texans · Passing · +5.80 total EPA · 41 snaps · +0.14 EPA/play
  2. 2Robert WoodsRobert Woods · Houston Texans · Receiving · +2.85 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.43 EPA/play
  3. 3Josh DownsJosh Downs · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +2.69 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.30 EPA/play
  4. 4Tank DellTank Dell · Houston Texans · Receiving · +2.59 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.65 EPA/play
  5. 5Xavier HutchinsonXavier Hutchinson · Houston Texans · Receiving · +2.48 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.48 EPA/play
  6. 6Anthony RichardsonAnthony Richardson · Indianapolis Colts · Rushing · +1.95 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.49 EPA/play
  7. 7Jawaan TaylorJawaan Taylor · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +1.51 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.51 EPA/play
  8. 8Dalton SchultzDalton Schultz · Houston Texans · Receiving · +1.50 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.25 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

C.J. Stroud

FantasyHQ Game MVP

C.J. Stroud — HOU · Passing

C.J. Stroud posted the highest total EPA (+5.80) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Houston Texans. Across 41 counted snaps, they averaged +0.14 EPA per play.

C.J. Stroud's top snap (-5.44 EPA): (3:07) 7-C.Stroud to IND 15 for -7 yards (54-D.Odeyingbo). FUMBLES (54-D.Odeyingbo), RECOVERED by IND-54-D.Odeyingbo at IND 18. 54-D.Odeyingbo for 82 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner was not down

Biggest single play (+6.18 EPA): Anthony Richardson — (1:01) (Shotgun) 5-A.Richardson pass deep left to 1-J.Downs for 69 yards, TOUCHDOWN [91-F.Fatukasi].

Quarterback report card

C.J. Stroud led all passers in efficiency for Houston Texans, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • C.J. StroudC.J. Stroud (Houston Texans) · 41 dropbacks · 61.0% completion · +1.7% CPOE · +0.14 EPA/play · +5.80 total EPA
  • Anthony RichardsonAnthony Richardson (Indianapolis Colts) · 39 dropbacks · 25.6% completion · -24.8% CPOE · -0.20 EPA/play · -7.81 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatIndianapolis ColtsHouston Texans
Offensive EPA/play-0.033-0.018
Offensive success rate35.3%45.1%
Pass EPA/play-0.200+0.142
Rush EPA/play+0.060-0.313
Defensive EPA/play+0.018+0.033
Defensive success rate54.9%64.7%

Drive & efficiency notes

Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Indianapolis Colts -0.03, Houston Texans -0.02) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Indianapolis Colts: -0.03 EPA/play (38th percentile vs. 2024 team-game averages)
  • Houston Texans: -0.02 EPA/play (41st percentile vs. 2024 team-game averages)
  • Houston Texans: 13 drives, -1.64 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
  • Indianapolis Colts: 13 drives, -2.84 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Josh DownsIndianapolis Colts — Josh Downs (Anthony Richardson pass) (Q1 1:01)
  • Joe MixonHouston Texans — Joe Mixon (Q2 10:12)
  • Tank DellHouston Texans — Tank Dell (C.J. Stroud pass) (Q2 0:23)
  • Jawaan TaylorIndianapolis Colts — Jawaan Taylor (Q4 8:34)

Field goals

  • Ka'imi FairbairnHouston Texans — Ka'imi Fairbairn (Q1 11:18)
  • Matt GayIndianapolis Colts — Matt Gay (Q1 10:03)
  • Ka'imi FairbairnHouston Texans — Ka'imi Fairbairn (Q3 7:55)
  • Matt GayIndianapolis Colts — Matt Gay (Q3 2:04)
  • Ka'imi FairbairnHouston Texans — Ka'imi Fairbairn (Q4 12:24)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Indianapolis Colts won the period 10–3. Houston Texans connected on a field goal from the IND 16 (Q1 11:18) — (11:18) 15-K.Fairbairn 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-6-T.Townsend.; Indianapolis Colts connected on a field goal from the HOU 28 (Q1 10:03) — (10:03) 7-M.Gay 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez.; Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the HOU 69 (Q1 1:01) — (1:01) (Shotgun) 5-A.Richardson pass deep left to 1-J.Downs for 69 yards, TOUCHDOWN [91-F.Fatukasi].; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the HOU 15 (Q1 0:50) — 7-M.Gay extra point is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez..

The second quarter: Houston Texans won the period 14–0. Houston Texans found the end zone from the IND 14 (Q2 10:12) — (10:12) 28-J.Mixon up the middle for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN. HOU-54-J.Patterson was injured during the play.; Houston Texans added 1 points from the IND 15 (Q2 10:04) — 15-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-6-T.Townsend.; Houston Texans found the end zone from the IND 7 (Q2 0:23) — (:23) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass short right to 3-T.Dell for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Houston Texans added 1 points from the IND 15 (Q2 0:17) — 15-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-6-T.Townsend..

The third quarter: The quarter finished even at 3–3. Houston Texans connected on a field goal from the IND 16 (Q3 7:55) — (7:55) 15-K.Fairbairn 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-6-T.Townsend.; Indianapolis Colts connected on a field goal from the HOU 18 (Q3 2:04) — (2:04) 7-M.Gay 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez..

The fourth quarter: Indianapolis Colts won the period 7–3. Houston Texans connected on a field goal from the IND 16 (Q4 12:24) — (12:24) 15-K.Fairbairn 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-6-T.Townsend.; Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the HOU 1 (Q4 8:34) — (8:34) (Shotgun) 28-J.Taylor right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the HOU 15 (Q4 8:32) — 7-M.Gay extra point is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Indianapolis Colts (Q1 1:01) — (1:01) (Shotgun) 5-A.Richardson pass deep left to 1-J.Downs for 69 yards, TOUCHDOWN [91-F.Fatukasi]. [WPA +19.2% · EPA +6.18]
  • Indianapolis Colts (Q4 0:01) — (:01) (Shotgun) 5-A.Richardson sacked at IND 39 for -10 yards (55-D.Hunter). FUMBLES (55-D.Hunter) [55-D.Hunter], touched at IND 37, RECOVERED by HOU-51-W.Anderson at IND 24. Fumble Forced by 43-N.Hew [WPA -16.9% · EPA -0.34]
  • Houston Texans (Q4 3:07) — (3:07) 7-C.Stroud to IND 15 for -7 yards (54-D.Odeyingbo). FUMBLES (54-D.Odeyingbo), RECOVERED by IND-54-D.Odeyingbo at IND 18. 54-D.Odeyingbo for 82 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the [WPA -16.7% · EPA -5.44]
  • Indianapolis Colts (Q2 0:34) — (:34) (Shotgun) 5-A.Richardson pass short right intended for 1-J.Downs INTERCEPTED by 5-J.Pitre at IND 17. 5-J.Pitre to IND 7 for 10 yards (79-B.Raimann). [WPA -11.9% · EPA -5.22]
  • Houston Texans (Q2 1:13) — (1:13) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud sacked at IND 45 for -9 yards (99-D.Buckner). [WPA -10.5% · EPA -2.14]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Indianapolis Colts (Q1 1:01) — (1:01) (Shotgun) 5-A.Richardson pass deep left to 1-J.Downs for 69 yards, TOUCHDOWN [91-F.Fatukasi]. [WPA +19.2% · EPA +6.18]
  • Houston Texans (Q4 3:07) — (3:07) 7-C.Stroud to IND 15 for -7 yards (54-D.Odeyingbo). FUMBLES (54-D.Odeyingbo), RECOVERED by IND-54-D.Odeyingbo at IND 18. 54-D.Odeyingbo for 82 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the [WPA -16.7% · EPA -5.44]
  • Indianapolis Colts (Q2 0:34) — (:34) (Shotgun) 5-A.Richardson pass short right intended for 1-J.Downs INTERCEPTED by 5-J.Pitre at IND 17. 5-J.Pitre to IND 7 for 10 yards (79-B.Raimann). [WPA -11.9% · EPA -5.22]
  • Indianapolis Colts (Q3 5:50) — (5:50) (Shotgun) 5-A.Richardson right end to HOU 38 for 12 yards (43-N.Hewitt). [WPA +6.9% · EPA +3.65]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Houston Texans FG (+3) — Q1 11:18 · IND 16 · Score 0-3
    (11:18) 15-K.Fairbairn 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-6-T.Townsend.
  2. Indianapolis Colts FG (+3) — Q1 10:03 · HOU 28 · Score 3-3
    (10:03) 7-M.Gay 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez.
  3. Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q1 1:01 · HOU 69 · Score 9-3
    (1:01) (Shotgun) 5-A.Richardson pass deep left to 1-J.Downs for 69 yards, TOUCHDOWN [91-F.Fatukasi].
  4. Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q1 0:50 · HOU 15 · Score 10-3
    7-M.Gay extra point is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez.
  5. Houston Texans TD (+6) — Q2 10:12 · IND 14 · Score 10-9
    (10:12) 28-J.Mixon up the middle for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN. HOU-54-J.Patterson was injured during the play.
  6. Houston Texans XP (+1) — Q2 10:04 · IND 15 · Score 10-10
    15-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-6-T.Townsend.
  7. Houston Texans TD (+6) — Q2 0:23 · IND 7 · Score 10-16
    (:23) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass short right to 3-T.Dell for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  8. Houston Texans XP (+1) — Q2 0:17 · IND 15 · Score 10-17
    15-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-6-T.Townsend.
  9. Houston Texans FG (+3) — Q3 7:55 · IND 16 · Score 10-20
    (7:55) 15-K.Fairbairn 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-6-T.Townsend.
  10. Indianapolis Colts FG (+3) — Q3 2:04 · HOU 18 · Score 13-20
    (2:04) 7-M.Gay 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez.
  11. Houston Texans FG (+3) — Q4 12:24 · IND 16 · Score 13-23
    (12:24) 15-K.Fairbairn 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-6-T.Townsend.
  12. Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q4 8:34 · HOU 1 · Score 19-23
    (8:34) (Shotgun) 28-J.Taylor right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  13. Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q4 8:32 · HOU 15 · Score 20-23
    7-M.Gay extra point is GOOD, Center-46-L.Rhodes, Holder-8-R.Sanchez.

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.

  • Houston Texans earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
  • One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
  • C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
  • Anthony Richardson (IND) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Indianapolis Colts vs Houston Texans on 2024-10-27?

The Houston Texans beat the Indianapolis Colts 23-20 in Week 8, 2024.

What was the score by quarter in Indianapolis Colts vs Houston Texans?

Q1: Indianapolis Colts 10, Houston Texans 3; Q2: Indianapolis Colts 0, Houston Texans 14; Q3: Indianapolis Colts 3, Houston Texans 3; Q4: Indianapolis Colts 7, Houston Texans 3; Final: Indianapolis Colts 20, Houston Texans 23.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Indianapolis Colts vs Houston Texans?

Indianapolis Colts touchdown — J. Downs (A. Richardson pass) (Q1 1:01) Houston Texans touchdown — J. Mixon (Q2 10:12) Houston Texans touchdown — T. Dell (C. Stroud pass) (Q2 0:23) Indianapolis Colts touchdown — J. Taylor (Q4 8:34) Houston Texans field goal — K. Fairbairn (Q1 11:18, 3 pts) Indianapolis Colts field goal — M. Gay (Q1 10:03, 3 pts) Houston Texans field goal — K. Fairbairn (Q3 7:55, 3 pts) Indianapolis Colts field goal — M. Gay (Q3 2:04, 3 pts) Houston Texans field goal — K. Fairbairn (Q4 12:24, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Indianapolis Colts vs Houston Texans?

C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans), 61.0% completion, +1.7% CPOE, +0.14 EPA per dropback, +5.80 total passing EPA. Anthony Richardson (Indianapolis Colts), 25.6% completion, -24.8% CPOE, -0.20 EPA per dropback, -7.81 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Indianapolis Colts vs Houston Texans?

C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +5.80 total EPA on Passing plays. across 41 snaps. Their top snap (-5.44 EPA): (3:07) 7-C.Stroud to IND 15 for -7 yards (54-D.Odeyingbo). FUMBLES (54-D.Odeyingbo), RECOVERED by IND-54-D.Odeyingbo at IND 18. 54-D.Odeyingbo for 82 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay O.

Was Indianapolis Colts vs Houston Texans a close game?

Yes — the margin was 3 points. Houston Texans won 23-20 in a game that came down to the wire.

Season records after this game

Indianapolis Colts

Entered 4-3 Now 4-4 L

Houston Texans

Entered 5-2 Now 6-2 W

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