Stroud throws for 322 yards as Texans extend streak to eight

Houston, TX - C.J. Stroud threw for 322 yards and accounted for two touchdowns as the Houston Texans defeated the Indianapolis Colts 37-20 in Week 11, extending their winning streak to eight games.

Houston entered the week at 8-1 after winning seven straight, and its passing game supplied the foundation for another productive afternoon. Stroud completed 23 of 37 attempts, threw a touchdown pass and finished with a 99.1 passer rating. He also ran for 18 yards and a touchdown.

The Texans built an advantage, absorbed stretches of pressure from Indianapolis and gradually created separation. Houston finished with 409 offensive yards, including 322 through the air, and recorded 18 first downs. The Colts produced 345 offensive yards but could not match Houston's scoring pace as the margin widened.

"We had different guys getting involved, and that makes it easier to stay patient," Stroud said. "We didn't have to force everything into one area. When opportunities were there, we trusted them and kept moving forward."

Nico Collins delivered the game's top receiving performance, catching six passes for 123 yards and a touchdown. His longest reception covered 61 yards, matching Stroud's game-long completion. Tank Dell gave Houston another 100-yard target with seven receptions for 110 yards, while Dalton Schultz added five catches for 58 yards.

That distribution presented Indianapolis with several threats to account for throughout the game. Collins brought the biggest individual numbers, Dell consistently added production alongside him, and Schultz worked underneath for another useful contribution.

"When the ball comes your way, you want to turn it into something for the offense," Collins said. "C.J. spread it around, Tank was making catches, Dalton was involved, and everybody stayed ready. That's what you want from the whole group."

Houston did not generate the same explosive totals on the ground, but it remained committed to the run. Woody Marks received a game-high 20 carries and finished with 61 yards. Stroud added his rushing touchdown as the Texans totaled 87 yards on the ground.

The Texans also held a modest edge on third down, converting 6 of 13 opportunities compared with Indianapolis' 4-for-15 performance. Houston reached the red zone three times and scored two touchdowns on those trips. Indianapolis was efficient on its two red-zone possessions, finishing both with touchdowns, but had fewer opportunities inside the 20.

Andy Dalton faced a demanding afternoon while trying to keep Indianapolis in range. He completed 20 of 43 passes for 261 yards and finished with a 66.1 passer rating. Houston recorded four sacks without intercepting him, and the Colts converted only one of their three fourth-down attempts.

Dalton found production across three primary receivers. Josh Downs led Indianapolis with six catches for 86 yards, Alec Pierce collected five passes for 77 yards and Keenan Allen had five receptions for 63 yards. The trio accounted for 226 of the Colts' 261 passing yards.

"There were throws and situations where we needed to be better," Dalton said. "You look at the third downs and the number of chances we had, and there's frustration there. We moved the ball at times, but the final result is what we have to own."

Kareem Hunt supplied Indianapolis' strongest work on the ground. He ran 14 times for a game-high 75 yards, scored a touchdown and produced the game's longest rush at 19 yards. The Colts finished with 84 rushing yards overall, three fewer than Houston.

Indianapolis showed enough offense to apply pressure during portions of the game, but Houston maintained the broader advantage and eventually pulled clear. The Texans outgained the Colts by 64 offensive yards and finished with four more first downs. Their 37 points represented the clearest separation in a game that featured productive stretches from both passing attacks.

Houston improved to 9-1 with the victory, turning its seven-game run into an eight-game winning streak. Indianapolis fell to 4-7 after entering the matchup with a chance to build on a Week 10 win.

Up Next

The Texans will remain home in Week 12 to face the Baltimore Ravens while carrying their eight-game winning streak into the matchup. The Colts return home and will look to rebound against the New York Giants.