IND
Indianapolis Colts
75.6PFM Team Score#23 NFL
Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans: PFM Team Comparison
PFM rates the Houston Texans higher than the Indianapolis Colts overall, with a clear advantage. The main reasons are the stronger defense and the stronger coaching operation.
Current PFM Team Scores
Clear edgeHOU
Houston Texans
82.7PFM Team Score#13 NFL
PFM JUDGMENT
Why PFM Rates the Houston Texans Higher
The Houston Texans own the stronger defense. More dependable stops give the offense better field position and keep one bad drive from controlling the day. The Indianapolis Colts are closest in offense, where the teams remain essentially even.
Houston also brings the stronger coaching operation. Houston adds the steadier quarterback room. PFM still has the Houston Texans in front.
TEAM DNA COMPARISON
Indianapolis vs. Houston Across the Core Pillars
The farther a team reaches, the stronger the rating. Each category also calls out which team has the edge and the exact gap. Hover on desktop or tap on mobile to isolate one team.
INDIndianapolis Colts
HOUHouston Texans
INDIANAPOLIS’ BEST PUSHBACK
Offense Is Indianapolis’ Only Close Fight
Indianapolis' offense gives the team one place to push back. The Colts are only 1.4 points behind Houston in Offense, but that is where Indianapolis' case ends. Houston still has C.J. Stroud at quarterback and the deeper roster, two advantages the Colts cannot match in this comparison.
COMPLETE COMPARISON
Where Each Team Has the Edge
PFM Team Score
IND75.6
Indianapolis Colts 75.6HOU82.7
Houston Texans 82.7Overall NFL Rank
IND#23
Indianapolis Colts #23HOU#13
Houston Texans #13QB Stability
IND76.8
Indianapolis Colts 76.8HOU82.2
Houston Texans 82.2Roster Strength
IND75.3
Indianapolis Colts 75.3HOU78.7
Houston Texans 78.7Coaching Direction
IND73.4
Indianapolis Colts 73.4HOU81.0
Houston Texans 81.0Recent Performance
IND77.2
Indianapolis Colts 77.2HOU85.6
Houston Texans 85.6Offense
IND78.1
Indianapolis Colts 78.1HOU79.5
Houston Texans 79.5Defense
IND75.5
Indianapolis Colts 75.5HOU83.7
Houston Texans 83.7Franchise Direction
IND72.9
Indianapolis Colts 72.9HOU80.3
Houston Texans 80.3Explosiveness
IND72.6
Indianapolis Colts 72.6HOU74.5
Houston Texans 74.5Conference Rank
IND#11
Indianapolis Colts #11HOU#7
Houston Texans #7Division Rank
IND#3
Indianapolis Colts #3HOU#2
Houston Texans #2Outlook
INDNeeds More HelpHOUPlayoff Contender
Stronger outlook: Houston TexansSCHEDULE CONTEXT
Which Team Has the Tougher Road?
Indianapolis Colts
Remaining schedule rank: #24
Toughest stretch: Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans, Washington Commanders
Strongest opponents: Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, Jacksonville Jaguars
Next five difficulty: 80.0
View Indianapolis Colts Road AheadHouston Texans
Remaining schedule rank: #26
Toughest stretch: Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers
Strongest opponents: Philadelphia Eagles, Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Chargers
Next five difficulty: 77.4
View Houston Texans Road AheadIndianapolis has the tougher Road Ahead at No. 24. The strongest opponents include Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, and Jacksonville Jaguars. Houston also has the more favorable road, which adds to the stronger defense and the stronger coaching operation.
Explore Both Team Dashboards
Ratings and Schedule Freshness
PFM ratings updated September 15, 2026. Schedule data updated September 17, 2026.
How to Read This Comparison
PFM Team Score determines the overall order. The Team DNA comparison puts five core pillars on the same 0–100 scale, while the full rows show every current category.
PFM compares overall team strength rather than predicting one matchup. Road Ahead adds schedule context without changing PFM Team Score.
PFM ratings updated
How PFM grades NFL teams