Category: Colts Wire Features

7 Texans the Colts must game plan for in Week 12

These Texans must be accounted for in Week 12.

The Colts are back on top of the AFC South, tied with the Houston Texans with a 6-4 record. This game means so much for both teams as the division and possibly even a potential wild card spot could be at stake here.

Houston is coming off their worst loss of the season, a 41-7 blowout against Baltimore on Sunday. The Texans will not come out as flat as they did last week when they host the Colts on Thursday night and this team is not to be underestimated.

If the Colts want to stay on top of the AFC South and go a game up on Houston, here are seven Texans the Colts must gameplan for:

Deshaun Watson Houston Texans
(Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports)

QB Deshaun Watson

This mobile, strong-arm quarterback is a threat every time he steps on the field. The Colts will need to contain him in the pocket and not allow him time to throw to his talented receiving core. Look for Darius Leonard to spy on Watson all game and try to keep him from torching them in the run game.

WR Deandre Hopkins

Regarded as one of, if not the best wide receiver in football, Hopkins creates a significant matchup problem for the Colts. With top corner Pierre Desir questionable for Thursday, it will be up to rookie Rock Ya-Sin and the collection of safeties to keep Hopkins from going down the field.

LB Zach Cunningham

The talented linebacker leads the team in tackles with 79 total tackles on the year. He is a force in the run game and will have to be picked up by the Colts O-line in order to have success with Hines and Williams on the ground.

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Bernardrick McKinney Houston Texans
(Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

LB Bernardrick McKinney

McKinney is another linebacker that along with Cunningham, can be a real problem for teams trying to run the ball. With 68 total tackles on the year, McKinney will have to be accounted for on Thursday. He is also a solid pass coverage outside backer as well.

TE Darren Fells

Fells has had a quiet season, but has six touchdowns, mostly coming in the red zone. Watson targets his big tight end in goal-line sets so look for Anthony Walker and Leonard to be on Fells especially if the Texans drive down the field.

S Tashaun Gipson Sr.

Gipson has been banged up in 2019 but he is still a great cover safety with run-stopping ability. Gipson has two picks on the year including a 79-yard touchdown return earlier in the season. Brissett will have to be careful airing it out if Gipson is in coverage.

LB Whitney Mercilus

The eighth-year veteran has still been disruptive in this defense that has desperately needed a pass rush after trades and injuries. Mercilus has fit the bill with five and a half sacks on the year along with an interception. With this powerful pass rusher coming off the edge, tackles Anthony Castonzo and Braden Smith will have to make sure he does not get around them.

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Colts vs. Texans: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 12

Key matchups to watch in Week 12.

All seems to be well again for the Indianapolis Colts after their 33-13 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Whether it was Jacoby Brissett returning to his post this team’s starting quarterback or the historical rushing performance by Marlon Mack and Jonathan Williams, the Colts certainly had a lot of positives in their Week 11 performance.

But things will take a different turn in Week 12 as the Colts play face another divisional rival in the Houston Texans on Thursday night. This game is arguably the most important one for either team, as they’re currently tied for first place in the AFC South and it involves playoff implications for not only right now but at season’s end.

Here are three key matchups to watch in the Colts’ primetime Week 12 bout against the Texans:

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

RB Carlos Hyde vs. Colts’ defensive front seven

It was just a few days ago when the Colts’ defense had to face another red-hot running back in Leonard Fournette before ultimately slowing him down (eight carries for 23 rushing yards). But this week is a new week and up next for the AFC South competitor now is a tough matchup with Texans running back Carlos Hyde.

As crazy as this might sound, Hyde’s very solid season in Houston is under the radar. After disappointing stints in Cleveland and Jacksonville between 2017-’18, the former San Fransisco 49er is playing his best football ever. By having 769 rushing yards, a yards per carry average of 4.9, and four rushing touchdowns, Hyde is easily the third-most important player on the Texans offense, behind Deshaun Watson and DeAndre Hopkins.

Even with Watson and Hopkins being more than capable of taking over this game, it shouldn’t stop the Colts from trying to contain Hyde. By doing so, this could keep the Texans’ offense in longer down and distances, which is bad for them given their shaky pass protection and Justin Houston’s recent streak of sacks in a game.

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Where do the Colts sit in AFC South standings in Week 12?

A look at the AFC South entering Week 12.

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There are just six games remaining in the 2019 regular season, and the AFC South is still shaping up to be a tight race that likely comes down to the final weeks.

There were some big changes to the standings through Week 11 as almost every team finds itself in a new spot. As the new week begins, there will be many implications for the standings in Week 12.

Here’s a look at how the AFC South standings shape up entering Week 12:

1. Indianapolis Colts (6-4)

Ending their two-game skid, the Colts bounced back for a home win against the Jaguars on Sunday, 33-13. Thanks to a big day from the backfield (264 rushing yards) and a superb outing from the defense, the Colts were able to take the top spot in the division from the Texans because they currently hold the tiebreaker from their Week 7 win.

The Colts are on the road for a Thursday night matchup with the Texans at NRG Stadium.

2. Houston Texans (6-4)

Many believed this matchup with the Ravens would be the most exciting of the week. For Ravens fans and those with Lamar Jackson on their fantasy team, it was a great week. For the Texans, not so much. It was a blowout in the true sense of the word as the Ravens won 41-7 on the back of Jackson and the stout defense.

The Texans host the Colts at NRG Stadium on a short week Thursday night.

3. Tennessee Titans (5-5)

The Titans enjoyed their bye week sitting alone in third place. Sitting with a 5-5 record, the Titans are still in striking distance for the division but will need to make a run during the second half.

The Titans are at home hosting the Jaguars at Nissan Stadium in Week 12.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-6)

Despite the return of Nick Foles, the Jaguars couldn’t get much going on Sunday against the Colts. Wide receiver D.J. Chark had 104 yards and two touchdowns, but the defense couldn’t stop anything against the run as the Colts ran at will.

The Jaguars are on the road visiting the Titans in Week 12.

6 waiver wire pickups in fantasy football for Week 12

Fantasy football waiver wire targets for Week 12.

Last week in the NFL we saw more injuries pile up, more players come out of nowhere and even more surprising matchups across the board in fantasy football. By now, guys have either proven themselves to be reliable or their inconsistency has landed them on the bench or dropped altogether.

As trade deadlines come and go, the waiver wire continues to be a vital part of a playoff run in fantasy football.

With four teams on a bye (Cardinals, Chiefs, Chargers, Vikings), here are six waiver wire pickups for Week 12.

(AP Photo/AJ Mast)

RB Jonathan Williams: <1% rostered (ESPN)

With Jordan Wilkins still out (ankle) and Marlon Mack suffering a broken hand in Indy’s 33-13 win against Jacksonville on Sunday, the Colts needed someone to step up big in the run game. Williams fit the bill.

He finished the day with 13 carries for 116 yards and also added a huge reception for 31 yards. With a short week before the Colts travel to Houston to face the Texans, the Colts do not have much time to get healthy. Williams and fellow back Nyheim Hines will carry the workload in the backfield for the time being.

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Colts’ Justin Houston gets high praise from Texans’ Bill O’Brien

Justin Houston is having a strong season.

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The Indianapolis Colts didn’t make a lot of moves in free agency this offseason but one of their additions in veteran defensive end Justin Houston is turning out to be a magnificent signing.

With 8.0 sacks on the season and one in each of the last six games, Houston has become a one-man wrecking crew from the edge. He’s certainly hitting his stride and will be taking on the Houston Texans offense Thursday night.

Texans head coach Bill O’Brien knows just how difficult it will be to game plan for Houston on a short week.

“We’ve gone against him in Kansas City and now in Indianapolis. He’s a tough guy to go against,” O’Brien said in a conference call Monday. “It’s very difficult to block him one-on-one. He’s very strong, he’s very explosive and (he’s) got good instincts.”

The Colts and Texans have already faced off this season, which resulted in a 30-23 victory for the former at Lucas Oil Stadium in Week 7. They know first-hand just how much of a game-changer Houston can be.

In that Week 7 matchup, Houston finished with 2.0 sacks and four quarterback hits against the Texans offensive line. He was all over the place in a game that cemented the Colts as true candidates for the top of the AFC South.

Hoping to learn from that game, O’Brien understands the veteran must be accounted for on every play.

“So he’s a guy you have to understand, ‘Hey where is this guy on every single play?'” said O’Brien. “And make sure you’re ready for what he’s doing – basically his technique, but also how they’re using him in the defense. He’s a very difficult guy to get ready for.”

The Colts are dealing with many injuries on the defensive side of the ball this week and given the short turnaround, Houston must deliver in what is likely a must-win for Indy.

5 takeaways from Colts’ 33-13 win vs. Jaguars

While football will always remain a team sport, it doesn’t stop certain individuals from being more important than others; especially when their presence alone separates you from the pack. On Sunday, the Indianapolis Colts (6-4) witnessed that kind …

While football will always remain a team sport, it doesn’t stop certain individuals from being more important than others; especially when their presence alone separates you from the pack. On Sunday, the Indianapolis Colts (6-4) witnessed that kind of player return to action for them and the results were evident.

In his first full game back since Week 8, quarterback Jacoby Brissett produced two touchdowns and led the Colts to a much-needed 33-13 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-6). With the JB7 under center, the first place AFC South leader played their best game in recent weeks and seems to be back on track as six games remain in their season.

Here are five takeaways from the Colts’ 33-13 win over the Jaguars.

Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

JB7 literally makes a huge difference

Even during Brissett’s good start to this season, there were still various Colts fans and media who weren’t on the bandwagon. After every game, including JB7’s standout performances against the Falcons and Texans, those same people continued to wonder if he was actually capable of being this team’s quarterback.

But after not having the NC State product available for action over the last two weeks, there were little to no complaints from JB7’s doubters as he once again displayed his obvious talent and leadership. Although his final numbers weren’t the best (15/24, 148 passing yards, one passing touchdown to one INT), the Colts’ QB1 impact was still felt throughout Sunday’s game.

Against the Jaguars, we saw the same Brissett who took care of the ball, made the right adjustments pre-snap, and had a couple of sensational plays to either extend or conclude Colts’ offensive drives.

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Twitter reacts to Quenton Nelson’s keg stand celebration

Keg stand celebration for the win!

Indianapolis Colts left guard Quenton Nelson has quickly become one of the more popular offensive linemen in the NFL, and that is only going to grow following the 33-13 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

Though the replay showed he didn’t clear the plane, Nelson came close to scoring a touchdown. That’s how it was ruled on the field so the second-year guard gathered his fellow offensive linemen for a keg stand touchdown celebration.

Twitter went bonkers after the celebration went viral:

AFC playoff picture: How Colts’ win over Jaguars impacts standings

A look at the AFC playoff picture after Colts’ dominating win over the Jaguars.

The Indianapolis Colts (6-4) kept their playoff hopes alive with a dominating 33-13 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-6) at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday.

The Big Picture

As it stands entering Week 12, the Colts hold the top spot in the AFC South. Though they are tied with the Houston Texans (6-4), the Colts hold the tiebreaker thanks to their Week 7 win. This means the Colts hold either the third or fourth seed in the AFC playoffs once the week is officially over.

There are a handful of teams right around the Colts in the playoff picture. A Kansas City Chiefs loss put the Colts as the third seed. The Chiefs have the Monday night game this week. Other teams like the Steelers (5-5), Raiders (5-4) and Titans (5-5) are all within striking distance.

Their biggest opponent, though, comes in the form of their Week 12 matchup against the Texans.

This Week’s Talking Point

It’s all about the Texans. This is a must-win game for the Colts. Just as Sunday’s matchup with the Jaguars was near a must-win, the Colts have to come out of their road trip with the Texans with a victory if they want to control their own destiny.

Both teams are at the top of the division, but the Colts hold the tiebreaker. The Texans are coming off of a blowout loss against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11 and will be turning around on a short week to host the Colts.

These two teams first met in Week 7 where the Colts came out with a 30-23 home win. Jacoby Brissett had a career day throwing for 326 yards and four touchdowns. The Colts will need a similar performance on Thursday night.

We’ll Also Discuss

The Colts have a crucial stretch of games coming up that will likely determine their season. Where does this game fall in accordance to the vitality of the home stretch, and how will the several injuries impact the Colts’ ability to stay competitive.

Another aspect to look at will be the status of wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, who has been out of game action since suffering a calf injury in Week 8.

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Colts begin crucial stretch of games with dominating win

Colts needed this win.

The Indianapolis Colts (6-4) used their rushing attack to pave the way to a dominating 33-13 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-6) on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Not only did the win improve the Colts’ divisional record to 3-0 this season, but it also kicked off their crucial stretch of upcoming games with a much-needed win. The dominating victory ended a two-game skid.

The Colts dominated the trenches all game long. The offensive line paved the way to 264 rushing yards as a team, which included two 100-yard rushers. The defensive line was stout in bottling up Leonard Fournette, and they harassed quarterback Nick Foles with consistent pressure.

This win over the Jaguars was important for many reasons. Ending the two-game skid was a major necessity. The Colts didn’t look like themselves in recent weeks. It was nice to see a refreshing game where they dominated upfront.

But the next four weeks are vital in determining their playoff hopes. This win is huge to kick off an upcoming schedule that will be the deciding factor in whether they make the playoffs or not. This is how it looks:

  • Week 12: at Houston Texans (Thursday night)
  • Week 13: vs. Tennessee Titans
  • Week 14: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • Week 15: at New Orleans Saints

None of those games are easy wins. The Colts might be favored in the Titans and Buccaneers games, but there is a chance they are underdogs in the Texans and Saints matchups.

It was incredibly important for the Colts to grab this home win against the Jaguars. It ended their two-game skid and gives them a chance to control their own destiny to an extent down the stretch.

We will see what happens in the next four games, but the Colts started out this important stretch with a win.

Studs and duds from Colts’ 33-13 win vs. Jaguars

Studs and duds from the Week 11 win.

The Indianapolis Colts (6-4) bounced back against the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-6) on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium with a 33-13 win.

The victory, combined with the Houston Texans’ loss, moves them into first place ahead of the Thursday night bout that features both teams. This was a complete team win with strong performances on both sides of the ball.

Here are the studs and duds from Week 11:

AP Photo/Michael Conroy

STUD: RB Marlon Mack

The Colts got back to their roots of dominating in the run game. Mack, behind the offensive line, spearheaded the rushing attack. Though he eventually left with a hand injury and didn’t return, Mack was the engine that kept the offense rolling.

Mack left halfway through the third quarter but finished taking 14 carries for 109 yards and a strong touchdown. The third-year back had five runs of 10 yards or more on the day. It remains to be seen if he will be healthy enough to play on Thursday night.

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