Following three straight wins, the Colts traveled to NRG Stadium for a divisional matchup against the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football. The Colts' defense forced a three and out on the first possession of the game. The Colts settled for a 27-yard Adam Vinatieri field goal to give them a 3-0 lead. Following a recovered onside kick by the Colts, the Colts scored in two plays on a Trent Richardson touchdown run. On the Colts' next offensive drive, they scored on a touchdown pass from Andrew Luck to Ahmad Bradshaw, extending their lead to 17-0. A Coby Fleener touchdown pass from Luck capped off the first quarter, with the Colts leading 24-0. After failing to convert a first down the entire first quarter, the Texans moved the chains on their first possession of the second quarter, and following an 11 play drive, scored their first points on a touchdown pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick to Andre Johnson. Houston linebacker Justin Tuggle intercepted Luck on the Colts' next offensive possession, which set up a 3 play, 26-yard drive that ended with an Arian Foster touchdown run, closing Colts' lead to 24-14. The Colts responded with a 15 play drive that ended in a Vinatieri field goal, and extended their lead to 27-14 going into halftime. The Texans scored the first points on the second half on their offensive possession, scoring on another Foster touchdown run, which cut the Colts lead to one possession. Luck and the Colts responded on their ensuing possession, driving 80-yards and scoring on a 33-yard touchdown pass from Luck to T. Y. Hilton. After a failed two-point conversion attempt, the Colts led 33-21 at the end of the third quarter. Midway through the fourth quarter, Texans' defensive end J. J. Watt forced a fumble that was returned for 45-yards for a touchdown and again closing the Colts' lead to one possession. Fumbles on the two ensuing Texan possessions ensured the Colts' 33-28 win. Punter Pat McAfee was recognized for his league best 44.8 yard punt average, as well as his third successful onside kick of the season, by being named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. With the win, the Colts improved to 4-2, winning four straight games, as well as their tenth straight win within the division, dating back to the 2012 season.. How many points did the Colts lead the Texans by at the close of the 3rd quarter?