AFC Game Of The Week
Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans
Colts: One of my radio associates was high on the Colts in the off-season. So far, they’ve made him look good and they’re in contention right now to make the playoffs, something they haven’t really seen much of as of late. Around this time in 2017, they were clinching a losing season but remember, that was without Andrew Luck. Now that number 12 is back in the fold, they’re in the race and you see the value that Andrew has on the team. Whether the Colts make the playoffs or not, they are by far one of the most improved teams in the league this year. I’ve seen more effort from them this season alone than I have in the last three under former head coach Chuck Pagano on both sides of the ball. Let’s look at their offense and how having a former quarterback will help Andrew. You saw what Frank Reich did for Carson Wentz in Philadelphia as his offensive coordinator so what makes you think he can’t work his magic with Luck? The biggest issue surrounding them had been their offensive line and Luck at one time was the most sacked quarterback in the league. The Colts made it a priority to improve his offensive line and he hasn’t been sacked as much. The defense has also improved, and they have a star in the making in Darius Leonard (you better have game if you have two first names). The Colts will look to bounce back on Sunday in Houston.
Texans: They’ve won nine games in row after losing their first three games of the season. Now, they’re the hottest team in the league and one of the hottest in the AFC. I don’t want to hear about them beating bad teams because you play who you play at the end of the day, period. What we’re seeing from the Houston Texans right now is what I think they would’ve been if Deshaun Watson didn’t tear his ACL. One move the Texans made was to add more depth to their receiving core. The decision to acquire Demaryius Thomas was related to the season-ending injury to Will Fuller. DT is still getting acclimated to the Texans offense, so it’ll take some time before he’s fully comfortable. Speaking of the Texans offense, they’ve really found their rhythm during this winning streak. After being held to 22 points or less in each of their first three losses, Houston has scored 29 points or more in four of its nine wins. Watson’s ability to move the football both through the air and on the ground has been a big part of the Texans success. The defense has also handled its business this year by smothering their opponents. This is a dark-horse Super Bowl contender in my opinion. They’ll look to win their tenth in a row on Sunday with the Colts coming to town.
Colts Player To Watch: Marlon Mack– He’s given the Colts an answer at the running back. To control things offensively, he’ll get his touches early on to keep the Texans offense on the sideline.
Texans Player To Watch: Jordan Thomas– The rookie tight end is really growing into his role within the Texans offense. Nearly eight months after being drafted, Thomas’ part has grown from a minimal role to into perhaps one of the league’s top red zone targets. The 22-year-old from Sumrall, Miss. is one touchdown catch away from tying Owen Daniels for the rookie tight end record of five touchdown catches.
Final Analysis: When they met in week four, this ignited the Texans winning streak and it saved their season. It’s hard to bounce back after an 0-4 start. This is a matchup of two teams who have been hot in the AFC. The Colts however really shocked me and couldn’t even put a single point up on the scoreboard in Jacksonville last weekend. If the Colts want any chance of winning the AFC South, this is the game they need. Hopefully the Indy defense shows up this week like they did last week. The Texans firepower will be on display once again and I think they just have too much for the Colts to handle.
Prediction: Texans 29 Colts 21
