Texans clinch playoff spot by holding off Colts' late push; Indianapolis eliminated

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

The first defacto NFL playoff game was certainly a good one.

The Houston Texans have advanced to the playoffs - the Indianapolis Colts' season is over.

Houston took down Indy on the road, 23-19, to make the playoffs in C.J. Stroud's rookie season and DeMeco Ryans' first year as a head coach.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Nico Collins #12 of the Houston Texans celebrates a touchdown with Andrew Beck #47 of the Houston Texans during the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 06, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana.  (Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

Down a touchdown with 6:20 to go, the Colts marched all the way inside the red zone, but on 4th and 1, Gardner Minshew threw a dumpoff to Tyler Goodson, who dropped a pass slightly behind him, turning the ball over on downs. 

Jonathan Taylor wasn't on the field for the season, despite having 188 rushing yards on 30 carries.

Houston took a safety with a second left to make it a 23-19 game - the Colts' miracle lateral play off the free kick was unsuccessful.

C.J. Stroud #7 and Devin Singletary #26 of the Houston Texans celebrate a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 06, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana.  (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

STEELERS KEEP PLAYOFF HOPES ALIVE WITH SEASON FINALE WIN OVER RAVENS

On the Texans' first play from scrimmage, right after a Colts field goal, Stroud found Nico Collins for a 75-yard touchdown. Both teams then combined for seven straight punts before Houston scored again - this time, it was Andrew Beck on a one-yarder. 

Indy kicked a field goal just before