The Houston Texans are ready to keep their winning streak alive at home when they return to NRG Stadium this Sunday to face off against the Indianapolis Colts.
Recent history has been kind to Houston in the matchup against the AFC South opponent. Longevity, however, hasn’t. The Colts have won or tied in six of the last 10 matchups dating back to 2019.
The Texans secured a 29-27 victory in Week 1 at Lucas Oil Stadium behind a stellar rushing performance and debut from Joe Mixon. Nico Collins also finished with 117 receiving yards off six catches and set up a pair of scoring drives to Stefon Diggs.
The two teams are trending in opposite directions as October comes to a close. Houston will be without Collins as he mends a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, the Colts will get back Jonathan Taylor and All-Pro defensive lineman DeForest Buckner.
“He’s a good guy in the pass game.” offensive lineman Tytus Howard said of Buckner. “He’s a guy that can get to the quarterback. He’s been getting to the quarterback for a long time in this league. We just got to get up there and be physical with him.”
With a win on Sunday, the Texans would finish at least at .500 in divisional play with three matchups remaining. At 6-2, Houston would keep pace as the No. 2 team in the AFC behind undefeated Kansas City.
A Colts win would not only secure a 2-2 start in division play, but would also create a tie with Houston at 5-3 for the division lead. Indianapolis doesn’t feel like a playoff team yet, but some rosters take weeks to get the footing before attacking.
Is this a trap game for the AFC South favorites? Can Anthony Richardson recreate his first-quarter success from Week 2 of last season and go 2-0 on the road against C.J. Stroud?
Who do you have winning Sunday’s game? Make sure to vote in the poll below.