C.J. Stroud throws two TDs as Houston Texans top Indianapolis Colts 24-16 in Week 3

Indianapolis, IN - C.J. Stroud threw for 325 yards and two touchdowns, and the Houston Texans generated 488 offensive yards in a 24-16 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 3.

Houston established the steadier advantage and spent much of the game protecting it as Indianapolis worked to narrow the margin. The Colts made the final score competitive, but the Texans consistently had more offensive production available across both phases of their attack.

The statistical difference was substantial. Houston finished with 23 first downs, 325 passing yards and 163 rushing yards. Indianapolis totaled 13 first downs and 290 offensive yards, leaving the Colts 198 yards behind the Texans in that category.

Stroud completed 27 of 39 passes, posted a 100.9 passer rating and connected with Nico Collins and Tank Dell for touchdowns. He also threw one interception, the lone takeaway recorded by the Indianapolis defense.

Houston did not rely on one receiving option. Collins caught eight passes for 107 yards and a touchdown, while Dell added seven receptions for 65 yards and a score. Dalton Schultz supplied another 52 yards on four catches, including Houston's longest completion of the game at 20 yards.

"We stayed patient and kept giving ourselves chances to move the ball," Stroud said. "There are still some things I want back, but Nico, Tank and Dalton kept presenting good options. Finishing with the win is what matters."

Collins' 107-yard performance gave Houston a reliable presence throughout the game, but Dell and Schultz ensured the production was distributed. Stroud completed passes at a rate of better than 69 percent while working underneath a longest completion of 20 yards.

"It wasn't about waiting for one big play," Collins said. "The opportunities kept coming, and the job was to keep getting positive results when the ball came our way."

The Texans also held a 100-yard advantage on the ground. David Montgomery rushed 15 times for 98 yards and scored Houston's other touchdown, with his longest carry going for 23 yards. Woody Marks added 51 yards on seven attempts, including a 20-yard run.

Houston converted 6 of 12 third downs but went 0-for-2 on fourth down. The Texans reached the red zone five times, scoring two touchdowns without recording a field goal on those trips. Those unfinished opportunities prevented the offensive-yardage difference from being reflected in a wider final score.

Indianapolis found much of its passing production through Daniel Jones and Keenan Allen. Jones completed 16 of 32 attempts for 227 yards and a touchdown, finishing with an 83.7 passer rating. Allen caught five passes for 123 yards and the Colts' lone touchdown, and his 71-yard reception was the longest gain recorded by either team.

"We had some production, but not enough of it from one possession to the next," Jones said. "Keenan gave us a big day, and we were able to make the margin smaller. We needed more consistency around those opportunities."

The ground game offered Indianapolis less room to work. The Colts finished with 63 rushing yards, compared with Houston's 163, and Kareem Hunt accounted for 44 yards on 14 carries. Indianapolis converted 6 of 16 third downs and 1 of 2 fourth downs.

Red-zone results provided another sharp contrast. The Colts reached that area twice, producing no touchdowns and one field goal. Houston had five red-zone trips and came away with two touchdowns. Indianapolis' touchdown production instead came through Jones' scoring pass to Allen.

Houston's defense did not record an interception, but it received notable fumble production from Will Anderson Jr., who was credited with one forced fumble and two recoveries. Jadeveon Clowney registered the Texans' only sack.

"Getting the ball back in our hands twice is something I take pride in," Anderson said. "There were stretches where Indianapolis was trying to put pressure on us, and we had to stay locked into the result we wanted."

Indianapolis remained within striking distance on the scoreboard despite the large gap in offensive yardage, but Houston maintained its advantage and closed out an eight-point road victory. The Texans left Indianapolis with three offensive touchdowns, a 198-yard edge in offensive production and their Week 3 win.

Up Next

The Houston Texans return home in Week 4 to host the Dallas Cowboys, while the Indianapolis Colts will look to rebound on the road against the Washington Commanders.