The Indianapolis Colts (6-4) and Houston Texans (6-4) are set for a vital matchup Thursday night at NRG Stadium.
The Week 12 bout will decide who holds sole possession of first place in the AFC South. The Colts currently hold the top spot because of their tiebreaking win in Week 7.
Here is how the Colts Wire staff sees the game unfolding:
Kevin Hickey (@KevinHickey11): Colts 24, Texans 22
I have been going back and forth with this game all week. It was very concerning to see the injury report on Monday but as the week progressed, it isn’t too bad all things considered.
This divisional matchup has serious implications now and down the stretch. The Colts should be getting T.Y. Hilton and Pierre Desir back—even if they are dealing with some other injuries in the secondary. The potential return of Hilton gives the Colts the advantage to win the game.
I don’t expect Jacoby Brissett to fire off 326 yards and four touchdowns again like he did in Week 7, but he should be in line for a big day. The Texans secondary is banged up in a bad way, and the absence of J.J. Watt has opened a massive hole in their run defense.
This is going to be an ugly, physical game that will be won in the trenches. Seeing as the Colts have the advantage there, they come away with an upset win on the road.
Arden Franklyn (@ArdenSportsTalk): Colts 26, Texans 20
In recent games, the Colts and Texans have played some good matchups together and I expect it to continue on Thursday night. As for why I’m expecting the Colts to win, it’s just a matter of confidence.
With their starting quarterback returning to the fold, T.Y. Hilton possibly returning (and causing another nightmare for the Texans) and the fact they’ve beaten the Texans three consecutive times since last season, the Colts definitely know they can beat this team in any way possible.
But let’s also acknowledge this: the Texans are probably coming out fired up because of what’s at stake (division lead/not losing the season series) along with avenging their poor performance from last Sunday, so it wouldn’t surprise me if they established an early, double-digit lead.
Yet, should it be enough for a win? Absolutely, not because the Colts won’t allow themselves to fall into a deep hole against the Texans.
John Alfieri (@alfierijohn): Texans 31, Colts 24
I rarely predict losses for the Colts but this week may be just too challenging with injuries piling up on a short week. Houston is coming off of a blowout loss in Baltimore and very rarely do we see a good football team come off a bad loss in worse condition.
The Colts losing Marlon Mack makes this game seem like a mismatch for Indy personnel-wise. Not to mention the Texans kryptonite, T.Y. Hilton, is still questionable with a calf injury. Even if “the Ghost” decides to suit up he will not be 100%.
Jonathan Williams and Nyheim Hines will do their best to establish the ground game but this game will come down to stopping the Texans passing attack and keeping Deshaun Watson in the pocket. The Colts defense has stepped up in recent weeks but this Houston offense is one of the better units the Colts will see all season.
Injuries in the secondary will also play a huge factor with Rock Ya-Sin questionable as well. Hopefully, Kenny Moore and Marvel Tell can step up like they did last week against this talented receiving corps.
I expect Jacoby Brissett to have a huge night with 300 yards passing and a pair of touchdowns but in the end, it will be the Colts playing catchup at NRG Stadium. I hope the Colts prove me wrong in this one. One thing I do believe though, if this game was on Sunday, it would be a completely different result.
Sam Sinclair (@samsinclair96): Colts 31, Texans 24
It should be an entertaining game. The Colts should expect an early punch from the Texans as they’re coming home off an embarrassing loss to the Ravens last Sunday.
I’ll be interested to see how Houston defends Indianapolis’ offense. Last time these two teams met Jacoby Brissett three for over 300 yards and four touchdowns. But the Texans run defense has struggled since J.J. Watt was lost for the season.
The Colts defense must show up and play to the level that they have the last 5-6 games. Watson does have an ankle injury so if guys like Grover Stewart and Denico Autry can get inside pressure early, it will test if Watson can be mobile.
This game is more than likely going to decide who wins the AFC South. The Colts are getting back T.Y. Hilton and Pierre Desir at the right time. I think their returns help the Colts take a firm handle on the AFC South in this Thursday night matchup.