The Indianapolis Colts (7-4) and Houston Texans (4-7) are preparing for a Week 13 divisional battle at NRG Stadium in what has become a crucial matchup for the former.
While the Texans are out of the playoff picture, the Colts are very well in the thick of it in the AFC. Their official seeding will be determined by the Ravens vs. Steelers game on Wednesday, but the Colts are in the hunt.
Here’s a quick preview and prediction of the Week 13 matchup:
Colts’ keys to victory
- Keeping Philip Rivers clean is vital. The veteran QB elevates his play when he has time in the pocket.
- Work around Anthony Castonzo’s injury. Giving help to Le’Raven Clark will be a big key in keeping Rivers clean in the pocket.
- Containing Deshaun Watson and keeping him from making plays outside the pocket.
- Mental mistakes and unnecessary penalties will keep the Texans competitive in this game.
Texans’ keys to victory
- Get J.J. Watt lined up across from Le’Raven Clark, who will be subbing in for Castonzo should the latter miss the game.
- Keep the run game going away from DT Grover Stewart, who has 20 run stops on the season, per Pro Football Focus.
- Get off to a fast start. The Colts have allowed an average of 26.7 points in the first half of their last three games.
- Deshaun Watson must extend plays with his legs where the Colts can be vulnerable with coverage breakdowns.
Key Matchup to Watch
Texans DE J.J. Watt vs. Colts LT Le’Raven Clark: This is assuming the Colts will be without Castonzo, who suffered an MCL sprain against the Titans in Week 12. The Colts will be at a disadvantage here and will have to send help to Clark’s side often. Watt is still capable of wrecking a game but if the Colts can contain him, they will come away with a win.
Who wins?
The Colts are coming off of a bad loss against the Titans and while they could be missing some key pieces, they should still be the better team. The Texans have been playing better of late and Watson is always a threat to win a game, but the Colts still have enough to come away with a win on Sunday. Colts, 26-23.
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