The Texans (12-2) bounced back from a disappointing loss to the Patriots on Monday night and clinched their second-consecutive AFC South title with a 29-17 win over the Colts (9-5).
It might have been closer than it needed to be. Houston only scored one offensive touchdown and had to settle for five field goals. But the defense held Colts QB Andrew Luck to 186 yards on 13-for-27 passing, and the Texans also got a score on special teams as they continued their march toward the postseason.
Offense: B
The Texans got production from the usual places. QB Matt Schaub threw for 261 yards and a touchdown, and his favorite target was once again WR Andre Johnson, who continued his stellar season with 11 catches for 151 yards and a score. RB Arian Foster ran for 161 yards with 131 coming in the second half. WR DeVier Posey stepped up with three receptions for 46 yards. Coming into the game, he had one reception for 19 yards. It looks like he is starting to come on at the end of his rookie season. Previous game's grade: F
Defense: A-
DE J.J. Watt played his best game of the season, and that's saying a lot considering the year he has had. Watt had 10 tackles, three sacks, six tackles for loss and a forced fumble. The secondary did a nice job limiting WR Reggie Wayne to three catches for 14 yards. There were some lapses, specifically at the end of the first half when Colts WR T.Y. Hilton got behind the defense for a 61-yard touchdown. Colts RB Vick Ballard also had a good day, running for 105 yards on 18 carries. Previous game's grade: D
Special teams: B
LB Bryan Braman blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown in the second quarter. K Shayne Graham made five of his six field goal attempts, including a 46-yard attempt in the fourth quarter to make it a two-possession game. P Donnie Jones averaged 42.3 yards per punt, and WR Keshawn Martin didn’t make any game-changing plays in the return game. Previous game's grade: D
Coaching: B
Houston won its second-consecutive division title and will set its sights on becoming the AFC's top seed. Houston has Minnesota at home next week, and a big test awaits in the form of RB Adrian Peterson, who is a frontrunner in the MVP race. Previous game's grade: F
Follow Texans blogger Sean Bielawski on Twitter, @CBSTexans.