In a dominant performance, the Indianapolis Colts topped the Houston Texans 40-24 in Week 3 of the 2026 season. This victory was crucial for the Colts, boosting their confidence and positioning them strongly in the early playoff race. C.J. Stroud had a standout day for the Texans, throwing for 339 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his ability to make big plays downfield. Dalton Schultz was his favorite target, racking up 95 receiving yards, while the Texans attempted to keep pace through the air. However, it was the Colts' Jonathan Taylor who led the ground game with 82 rushing yards, helping to maintain a balanced offensive attack. Defensively, the Colts made their mark with a game-changing performance from Quentin Lake, who intercepted two passes, halting any momentum the Texans tried to build. The turning point came in the second half when Lake's second interception set up a quick touchdown drive for Indianapolis, extending their lead and putting the game out of reach for Houston. With the Colts’ defense stepping up at critical moments, they effectively secured the win.