AFC South Rivalry Heats Up with Texans for the Indianapolis Colts

The 2025 NFL season has reignited one of the AFC South’s most intense rivalries, as the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans battle not just for divisional supremacy, but for a critical spot in the playoffs. What began as a lopsided series in the Texans’ early years has evolved into a back-and-forth contest defined by high-stakes matchups, star player duels, and emotional swings—culminating in two pivotal games this season that have reshaped the division’s landscape. AFC South Rivalry Heats Up with Texans for the Indianapolis Colts delves into the factors fueling this resurgence, from the Texans’ rapid rebuild to the Colts’ injury-driven adversity, and how each team’s success has turned every meeting into a must-watch event. For fans of both franchises, this rivalry isn’t just about football—it’s about pride, bragging rights, and the chance to claim dominance in a division that has long been unpredictable.

AFC South Rivalry Heats Up with Texans for the Indianapolis Colts starts with the 2025 season’s first matchup between the two teams, a Week 10 thriller in Houston that set the tone for the rest of their rivalry. The Colts entered the game with a 7-2 record, leading the AFC South and riding high on quarterback Daniel Jones’ strong play. The Texans, meanwhile, were a surprising 6-3, led by a rejuvenated offense and a league-leading pass rush. The game lived up to the hype: after trailing by 14 points in the third quarter, the Texans rallied behind Jones’ counterpart, C.J. Stroud, who threw two late touchdowns to secure a 31-28 win. The loss snapped the Colts’ five-game winning streak and marked the first time the Texans had beaten the Colts in back-to-back seasons since 2018. What made the game particularly memorable was its physicality: Colts running back Jonathan Taylor rushed for 120 yards but was tackled by Texans defensive end Jonathan Greenard on a critical fourth-down play late in the game, sealing the win for Houston. “That game showed us exactly what this rivalry has become,” Colts head coach Shane Steichen said afterward. “The Texans aren’t just a rebuilding team anymore—they’re a legitimate threat, and every time we play them, it’s going to be a fight.”

A defining factor in AFC South Rivalry Heats Up with Texans for the Indianapolis Colts is the contrasting trajectories of the two teams, which have added urgency to their matchups. Just three years ago, the Colts were a playoff mainstay while the Texans endured a 4-13 season, their third straight losing year. But Houston’s aggressive rebuild—led by general manager Nick Caserio’s draft picks (including Stroud and pass rusher Will Anderson Jr.) and the hiring of head coach DeMeco Ryans—has transformed them into a contender. The Colts, meanwhile, have faced their own challenges: a high-profile quarterback change (signing Jones in 2025 after releasing Matt Ryan), injuries to key players, and the pressure to keep up with the Texans’ momentum. This contrast has made their rivalry a study in NFL parity: the Texans represent the future of the division, while the Colts are fighting to hold onto their past success. The dynamic was on full display in their Week 15 rematch, where the Texans won again, 24-17, and dealt Jones a season-threatening fibula fracture. The win clinched the AFC South title for Houston and left the Colts scrambling for a wild-card spot. “This rivalry is intense because we’re both fighting for something different,” Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke said. “They’re fighting to stay relevant, and we’re fighting to prove we belong. That mix makes every play matter.”

AFC South Rivalry Heats Up with Texans for the Indianapolis Colts also highlights the individual battles that have elevated the competition, turning ordinary plays into rivalry lore. None is more notable than the matchup between Colts left tackle Bernhard Raimann and Texans edge rusher Will Anderson Jr.—two of the best at their positions. In their Week 10 game, Anderson sacked Jones twice and pressured him on four other plays, while Raimann held him to just one tackle in the second half. Their battle continued in Week 15, with Anderson recording another sack and Raimann blocking him on a critical third-down run that set up a Colts field goal. “Bernhard is one of the best tackles in the league, but I love going up against him,” Anderson said. “Every time we line up, it’s a chess match, and whoever wins that battle usually wins the game.” Another key rivalry within the rivalry is between the teams’ wide receivers: Colts veteran Calvin Ridley and Texans standout Nico Collins. Ridley, who signed with Indianapolis in 2025, and Collins, a Houston native, have traded spectacular catches in their matchups—Ridley hauled in a 45-yard touchdown in Week 10, while Collins responded with a 30-yard game-winner in the same contest. For the Indianapolis Colts, these individual battles are more than just personal—they’re about setting the tone for the team. “When our guys win their one-on-one matchups, it gives us a chance to win the game,” Steichen said. “Against the Texans, those battles are even more important because they have so many playmakers who can change the outcome.”

Another layer of intensity in AFC South Rivalry Heats Up with Texans for the Indianapolis Colts is the fan passion that surrounds the matchups, turning stadiums into hostile environments and social media into a war zone. In Houston, NRG Stadium has sold out both Colts games this season, with fans wearing “Beat Indy” shirts and chanting “Colts Suck” during key moments. In Indianapolis, Lucas Oil Stadium has seen similar energy: during a 2024 matchup, Colts fans booed Texans players during warmups and held up signs mocking Stroud’s early-career struggles. The rivalry has also spilled over into off-the-field events, like a charity flag football game between Colts and Texans fans that drew 5,000 attendees and raised $100,000 for local youth sports. For the Indianapolis Colts, fan support has become a critical part of their game plan against the Texans. “Our fans make Lucas Oil Stadium one of the loudest places in the NFL, and that affects the Texans’ communication,” Colts center Ryan Kelly said. “When the crowd is going crazy, it’s hard for their offense to call plays, and that gives us an edge.” The passion has also led to increased media coverage: local TV stations in both cities now dedicate entire pregame shows to analyzing the rivalry, and national networks have featured their matchups in prime time twice this season.

Looking ahead, AFC South Rivalry Heats Up with Texans for the Indianapolis Colts outlines how this competition is poised to dominate the AFC South for years to come. Both teams have young cores (the Texans’ average age is 26.5, the Colts’ is 27.2) and stable front offices, meaning their success isn’t likely to be a fluke. The Colts are expected to focus on rebuilding their quarterback depth and offensive line in the 2026 offseason, while the Texans will look to retain their key free agents (including edge rusher Jonathan Greenard) and build on their divisional title. Their 2026 matchups are already being circled on calendars: the first game, in Indianapolis in Week 6, will likely feature a healthy Jones (if he re-signs with the Colts) and a Texans team aiming for back-to-back division titles. “This rivalry isn’t going away anytime soon,” Colts general manager Chris Ballard said. “The Texans have built a great team, and we’re committed to competing with them every year. That’s what makes the AFC South so exciting—you can’t take any game for granted, especially against Houston.” For the Indianapolis Colts, the rivalry has also become a motivational tool: after their Week 15 loss, Steichen showed his team highlights of the Texans’ celebration in the locker room, using it to fuel their offseason workouts. “We’re not going to let them dominate this division,” Steichen told his players. “Next year, we’re coming for them.”

AFC South Rivalry Heats Up with Texans for the Indianapolis Colts is ultimately a story of competition at its finest—two teams with different histories, similar goals, and a mutual respect that only fuels their desire to win. What began as a one-sided series has evolved into a rivalry that defines the AFC South, a battle where every play, every catch, and every sack matters. For the Colts, the rivalry is a reminder of the work they need to do to stay relevant; for the Texans, it’s a chance to prove they’re no longer the division’s doormat. For fans, it’s a reason to tune in, to cheer, and to argue with friends across state lines. As the NFL heads into a new era of parity, the Colts-Texans rivalry stands out as one of the league’s best—a testament to what makes football great: passion, competition, and the thrill of a close game between two teams that refuse to back down.