The Houston Texans will play their regular-season finale against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. But before the game kicked off, the Texans made a firm decision on their star wideout, Nico Collins, who will not play today.
Why Is Nico Collins Not Playing Against the Colts?
The Texans decided to sit Collins for today’s Week 18 game against the Colts with bigger plans. DeMeco Ryans had already said, “Texans are still playing for the division, so they’ll play their starters this week vs. Colts,” but turned the decision. But what is the reason behind not playing Collins for the Week 18 game?
Collins is ready to go, but with their playoff spot locked in, the Texans are not taking any risk with their Pro Bowl wide receiver. Per KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson, Collins “doesn’t have an injury, a source emphasized,” though he noted the wideout missed the first practice of Week 18.
NFL Insider Jane Slater reported, “A team source tells me the Texans want to rest their veteran wide receiver ahead of the playoffs.” She also added, “Expect a lot of action for their two rookies. Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. Last week, each scored on the first two opening drives. A 75 and 43-yard TD for each. They will face a Colts defense without Sauce Gardner and a passing defense allowing 250 yds in the air.”
Collins, who was sidelined for the Week 8 clash against the San Francisco 49ers while in concussion protocol, has remained one of the NFL’s most dangerous vertical playmakers when healthy.
MORE: 7-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Dante Moore Spells Geno Smith, Carnell Tate Blesses Big Apple
The wide receiver continues to stretch defenses downfield and has firmly established himself as a trusted, go-to target for quarterback C.J. Stroud in Houston’s passing offense.
Throughout this season, Collins has compiled an impressive statistical resume, hauling in 71 receptions for 1,117 receiving yards and six touchdowns, production that underscores both his big-play ability and his importance to the Texans’ offensive game plan.
He is 8th in the entire league for receiving yards, and ranks 11th in the league among receivers on PFSN’s WR Impact Metric. However, apart from Collins’ news, they will start Stroud for the game.
How To Watch the Colts vs. Texans Game for Free Today?
The Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans are set to face off on Sunday, January 4, 2026, in a crucial Week 18 NFL regular-season matchup. The game will be played at NRG Stadium in Houston with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. CT).
With playoff implications tied to the AFC South race, the finale carries added significance as both teams look to close the regular season on a strong note.
Fans can watch the game live on CBS, which will carry the regional television broadcast. For those streaming, the matchup will be available through Paramount+ for viewers in participating CBS markets, as well as live TV streaming services such as FuboTV, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV.
Mobile viewers can also access the game via NFL+, which offers live local and primetime games on phones and tablets, while international audiences can stream through NFL Game Pass International.
