The Indianapolis Colts and the Houston Texans are tied for division lead in the AFC South. These are the only two teams in this division that stand a legitimate chance to win it which makes the two games between them that much more critical. When looking at it this way, this is a must-win game for the Texans. They cannot afford to drop a home division game and losing their third game in four contests. Here is a preview of the division match up:
J.J. Watt vs. Colts’ Pass Protection
Texans defensive end JJ Watt is the best defensive player in the NFL. He can play any position on the defensive line and is an absolute force at all of them. Watt’s PFF (subscription) rating is 27.7, which leads the NFL for 3-4 defensive ends. The next closest defensive end has a rating of 11.6. The Colts don’t run the ball very often and when they do they’re not particularly successful. So the pass protection for Colts quarterback Andrew Luck is going to have to be excellent. If the offensive line allows Watt wreak havoc in the pocket all day, it’s going to be a long day for Luck. However, if Luck can get some time to throw, he will have a good day throwing against the Texans secondary.
Arian Foster vs. Colts’ Front Seven
The Colts’ run defense is in the bottom 15 of the league. Houston Texans running back Arian Foster is one of the premiere running backs in the league. If the Texans can get Foster going early in the game and really wear out the Colts’ front seven, the Texans are going to have a much better chance at winning the game. Getting good production out of Foster would also keep the ball out of Andrew Luck’s hands and possibly prevent him from getting any significant rhythm in the pass game. This should be a big game for Foster.
Can Texans Beat A Quality Opponent?
Yes, the Texans have a winning record of 3-2. But who have the beaten? Their wins are against the 1-4 Washington Redskins, the 0-4 Oakland Raiders, and the 3-2 E.J. Manuel led Buffalo Bills. Who have they lost to? Their two losses are to the New York Giants, who are playing like one of the best teams in the NFC right now, and the Cowboys, who are playing at the same level. So far this season the Texans haven’t beaten anyone noteworthy. This is their chance to prove that they’re contenders in the AFC. The Colts are a good team with an All-Pro quarterback and knocking them off would prove a lot for the Texans.
Since this is a division game it can go either way and I wouldn’t be surprised. However, it’s a Thursday night game and on those games the home team has a major advantage. I don’t think these two teams are too far off from a talent perspective and I think the Texans’ front seven will give the Colts offense fits. If this were played on a Sunday afternoon in Indy I would take the Colts to win but since it’s a Thursday night in Houston I think Houston wins by a touchdown. The home team on Thursday night games has outscored the away teams 174-91. That is a difference that is extremely hard to ignore.