Texans Clinch Second Consecutive AFC South Title with Win over Dolphins, Colts’ Loss to Broncos
The Houston Texans clinched their second consecutive AFC South title on Sunday with a 24-17 victory over the Miami Dolphins and the Indianapolis Colts’ 23-10 loss to the Denver Broncos.
The Texans (10-4) entered Sunday’s game needing a win or a Colts loss to secure the division title. The Colts (7-7) had a chance to keep their title hopes alive, but they were unable to overcome a strong performance by the Broncos’ defense.
In Houston, the Texans got off to a fast start, scoring a touchdown on their opening drive. The Dolphins (5-9) responded with a field goal, but the Texans added another touchdown in the second quarter to take a 14-3 lead into halftime.
The Dolphins came out firing in the second half, scoring a touchdown on their opening drive to cut the lead to 14-10. But the Texans answered back with a field goal, and then they put the game away with a touchdown run by running back Lamar Miller in the fourth quarter.
Miller finished the game with 105 rushing yards and a touchdown, while quarterback Deshaun Watson threw for 198 yards and a touchdown.
The Texans’ defense also played a key role in the win, holding the Dolphins to just 273 total yards and forcing two turnovers.
In Denver, the Colts were unable to get their offense going against the Broncos’ defense. The Colts managed just 214 total yards and turned the ball over three times.
The Broncos (6-8) took advantage of the Colts’ mistakes, scoring a touchdown on a fumble recovery in the first quarter and adding a field goal in the second quarter to take a 10-0 lead into halftime.
The Colts finally got on the board with a field goal in the third quarter, but the Broncos answered back with a touchdown pass from quarterback Joe Flacco to wide receiver Courtland Sutton.
The Colts added a touchdown in the fourth quarter, but it was too little, too late. The Broncos held on for the 23-10 win.
With the win, the Texans clinched their second consecutive AFC South title. The Texans will now have a chance to earn a first-round bye in the playoffs if they can win their final two games of the regular season.
The Colts, meanwhile, are now eliminated from playoff contention. The Colts will finish the season with a record of 7-9.
What’s Next?
The Texans will travel to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 16. The Colts will host the Carolina Panthers in Week 16.