Indianapolis Colts’ Historic Playoff Collapse Stuns NFL After Texans Clinch

The Indianapolis Colts are officially out of the playoff picture. The Houston Texans sealed their fate with a 20-16 win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday, December 27. This ends a once-promising season for Indianapolis in devastating fashion.

Entering Week 17, the Colts needed a specific combination of losses to stay alive. Houston’s victory eliminated all mathematical possibilities. The Colts’ season concludes with a disappointing 8-7 record.

From First to Worst: A Stunning Season Derailment

The Colts’ elimination is historic due to their incredible start. Through Week 8, Indianapolis boasted the NFL’s best record at 8-2. They were legitimate Super Bowl contenders sitting atop the AFC South.

Everything fell apart from there. The team lost five consecutive games. This collapse turned championship hopes into a fight for survival that they ultimately lost.

According to CBS Sports, this makes the Colts the first NFL team in 30 years to miss the playoffs after starting a season 8-2. The statistic highlights the sheer improbability of their downfall.

Texans’ Surge Seals the Deal

While the Colts faltered, the Houston Texans soared. Houston started its season with three straight losses. The team then launched an eight-game winning streak to clinch a playoff berth.

Their record improved to 11-5 with the win over the Chargers. The Texans are now poised for their third consecutive AFC South title or a strong Wild Card position. The contrast between the two franchises’ second halves could not be more stark.

The Colts’ final game against Jacksonville is now meaningless for postseason standings. Team management will immediately shift focus to diagnosing this historic collapse.

The Indianapolis Colts’ playoff collapse serves as a brutal reminder of the NFL’s competitive volatility, where a hot start guarantees nothing in the grueling march to January.

Dropping this nugget your way-

How did the Colts get eliminated from playoff contention?

The Houston Texans clinched a playoff spot by beating the Los Angeles Chargers. This result eliminated all remaining mathematical paths for the Colts to reach the postseason, ending their season.

What was the Colts’ final record this season?

The Indianapolis Colts finished the 2025 NFL regular season with an 8-7 record. They lost their final five games after starting the year with eight wins in their first ten outings.

Why is the Colts’ collapse considered historic?

It is historic because they are the first NFL team in three decades to miss the playoffs after starting a season 8-2. This dramatic reversal from a top seed to out of contention is extremely rare.

What happened to the Houston Texans this season?

The Texans overcame an 0-3 start to win eight straight games and finish 11-5. They secured a playoff berth and are in position to win the AFC South division for the third year in a row.

Who clinched the AFC South division?

The Jacksonville Jaguars, with an 11-4 record, are leading the AFC South. The Houston Texans, at 11-5, have clinched a playoff spot but have not yet secured the division title heading into the final week.

Trusted Sources: Information for this report was gathered from CBS Sports, USA Today, and ESPN.