The last week of the season is here, and we’re treated to a great matchup between the Indianapolis Colts and the Houston Texans.  The Texans need to win to lockup the number one seed, a first round bye and home field advantage throughout the playoffs.  While the Colts are already in the playoffs, their seeding will not change - no matter the outcome.  But Indianapolis, led by rookie quarterback Andrew Luck, is sure to play harder and with more passion than they possibly have all season, because head coach Chuck Pagano will be back on the sidelines for the first time since being diagnosed with Leukemia earlier this season.

It’s no secret that Luck plays much better at home.  In his first season in Indy, Luck is 6-1 at home, with 10 touchdowns and only five interceptions.  Comparatively he’s 4-4 on the road, and 13 of his league-leading 18 interceptions have been away from Lucas Oil Stadium.  Two weeks ago in their loss at Houston, Luck played well; throwing for 186 and two touchdowns. 

The Texans’ pass defense is pretty mediocre, allowing 229 yards per game (ranked 16th) and only have 11 interceptions (tied for 20th).  Besides sack monster J.J. Watt and his 20.5 sacks, the Texans fail to put pressure on the quarterback, with only 3.5 team sacks (24 total, tied for 29th).

Luck and the Colts will look to take advantage of the Texans’ middling pass defense, and spoil their shot at the AFC’s number one seed.  Having coach Pagano back is going to be a huge lift for the Colts, and they will look to Luck to lead them to a victory through the air. 

For those still active in fantasy football, Luck should rack up 19 points.