Tag: Colts

6 Titans the Colts must game plan for in Week 13

These Titans must be in the game plan in Week 13.

The Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts both sit at 6-5 ahead of a highly-anticipated AFC South matchup Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium. This a must-win for both teams as they try to keep pace with Houston for the division and the tight race for the AFC wild card as well.

If the Colts want to get back on track after a long week, here are six Titans the Colts must game plan for in the Week 13 divisional matchup.

(Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports)

QB Ryan Tannehill

After winning four of their last five, Tannehill seems to be the short-term solution in Tennessee. Getting after him and forcing him to make rushed throws will be key for the Colts in this one. With the ability to spread the ball to a variety of receivers, shutting down Tannehill will be vital to a victory.

The Colts must also be aware of Tannehill’s ability as a runner, which is an underrated aspect of his game.

RB Derrick Henry

November-Henry is a real thing. The fourth-year back has been criticized throughout his career for being inconsistent on a week to week basis but in the month of November, Henry has been very productive during his time in Tennessee.

The Colts will have to shut down Henry in order to throw the entire offense off track in this one. When the Titans get the run game going, their offense becomes a lot more threatening.

WR A.J. Brown

The rookie receiver has been a great addition to this offense. With the size to go over the top of defenders and the speed to create separation, Brown has emerged as one of the best young receivers in the game.

Look for Pierre Desir to matchup against Brown on Sunday, mostly because of a size comparison. Don’t be surprised if Malik Hooker or Marvel Tell matchup against Brown as well.

(Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports)

LB Rashaan Evans

Leading the team in tackles with 85 on the year, Evans is one of the better linebackers in all of football. His run stopping ability is incredible and his speed makes it easy for him to cover tight ends as well. With Eric Ebron being placed on IR on Monday, Jack Doyle and others will have to find success after a lackluster performance in Houston.

CB Logan Ryan

Ryan has been dominant throughout his entire career, filling up a stat sheet week to week. His line on the year is 78 total tackles, three interceptions, three forced fumbles, 16 passes defended and 3.5 sacks. Ryan will most likely be on T.Y. Hilton all game as Hilton tries to bounce back after a pitiful performance against Houston.

LB Harold Landry III

The other linebacker in the Titans talented duo is Landry. Where Evans is more utilized in the passing game, Landry is moved all around the field and is a talented pass rusher. With eight sacks on the season, it will be crucial for the Colts to stop Landry blitzing up the middle in order to give Brissett time in the pocket.

Texans vs. Colts: Who is picking Houston in Week 12?

The Houston Texans face the Indianapolis Colts in NFL Week 12. CBS Sports, USA Today, Pro Football Focus, NFL.com make their picks.

The 6-4 Houston Texans come into their Thursday night matchup with the 6-4 Indianapolis Colts as slight favorites at NRG Stadium.

Thursday night’s Texans vs. Colts battle isn’t just another chapter of a growing rivalry, it’s one with deep playoff implications — with the winner taking full-control of the tight AFC South. Here is what the experts say about the game:

CBS Sports (Cody Benjamin): Texans

texans-bill-obrien-fans-booing-late-fourth-quarter
(AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin has the Texans winning in a close bout, 24-23. The reason being the NRG Stadium home field advantage and the need for redemption for Deshaun Watson and Co.

“Pretty much every AFC South game is a coin flip. This is no exception. The Colts should be able to attack Houston’s secondary, but Deshaun Watson will be out to prove Week 11’s flop was an anomaly. At home on a short week, he gets the slight edge,” said Benjamin.

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Colts-Texans odds, picks and best bets [UPDATED]

Previewing the Colts at Texans Week 12 matchup, with NFL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Indianapolis Colts (6-4) and Houston Texans (6-4) are tied atop the AFC South and will meet in Week 12 for a game with huge playoff implications. The winner will be in the driver’s seat in the division, while the loser could fall out of the playoff picture.

Kickoff from NRG Stadium in Houston will be at 8:20 p.m. ET on Thursday night.

Colts at Texans: Week 12 preview, betting trends and notes

Special New Jersey BetMGM Prop Bet! Bet $1, WIN $100 in free bets if Houston QB Deshaun Watson rushes for at least one yard against Indianapolis Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019. Place your bet now!
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  • The Texans were blown out by the Ravens on Sunday, losing 41-7 as 4.5-point underdogs. It was the third time this season they’ve failed to win a third straight game.
  • The Colts took care of the Jaguars in Week 11, winning 33-13 at home. It ended a two-game losing skid following losses to the Steelers and Dolphins.
  • The Colts are 6-0-1 ATS in their last seven road games against Houston. They’ve won three straight vs. the Texans, too, dating back to last December.
  • Houston is 14-4 straight up in its last 18 games against the AFC South.
  • The Colts are 6-0 ATS in their last six against the AFC South, and are 3-0 this season.
  • In their last 11 games against teams above .500, the Colts are 10-1 ATS.

Colts at Texans: Key injuries

Colts RB Marlon Mack left Sunday’s game with a hand injury and will miss the game. WR T.Y. Hilton (calf) and TE Eric Ebron (ankle) are expected to play. WR Parris Campbell (hand) is less certain.

Texans WR Will Fuller (hamstring) remains questionable.

Colts at Texans: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Texans 24, Colts 21

Moneyline (?)

The Colts being without Mack is a big factor in this one. The Texans have the advantage of being at home, too, and they should bounce back from an embarrassing loss to the Ravens.

Bet the TEXANS (-189) to win outright on Thursday night. Deshaun Watson is a more dynamic quarterback than Jacoby Brissett and that’ll make a huge difference.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Texans to win outright would return a profit of $5.29.

Against the Spread (?)

The Texans enter as 3.5-point favorites at home, despite losing by 34 points to the Ravens on Sunday. The Colts have been excellent against the spread when facing the Texans and the AFC South in recent years, going 3-0 against the division this year alone.

Bet the COLTS (-110) to cover the 3.5-point spread.

Over/Under (?)

Thursday night games typically lead to some sloppy play early in the contest, which could be the case this week. The Over/Under is set at 46.5 points, and in 12 of the Colts’ last 18 road games, the total has gone under.

Take the UNDER (-115) in this matchup as both teams will take a little while to knock off the short-week rust.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @camdasilva and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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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.

Special New Jersey BetMGM Prop Bet! Bet $1, WIN $100 in free bets if Houston QB Deshaun Watson rushes for at least one yard against Indianapolis on Thursday Night Football. Place your bet now!
Valid for new customers. Visit BetMGM for terms and conditions.

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.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship, and there is no influence on news coverage.

Bills playoff picture: Post Week-11 recap of AFC teams ‘in the hunt’

Here’s a recap of the latest happenings in the AFC playoff picture after Week 11.

The Buffalo Bills thrashing of the Miami Dolphins in Week 11 has further helped their chances at making a post-season appearance for the second time in the past three years. However, there are still several teams nipping at the heals of the Bills in the playoff race.

Here’s a recap of the latest happenings in the AFC playoff picture:

AFC seeding:

  1. New England Patriots (9-1)
  2. Baltimore Ravens (8-2)
  3. Kansas City Chiefs (7-4)
  4. Indianapolis Colts (6-4)
  5. Buffalo Bills (7-3)
  6. Houston Texans (6-4)
  7. Oakland Raiders (6-4)
  8. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-5)
  9. Tennessee Titans (5-5)
  10. Cleveland Browns (4-6)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
10. Cleveland Browns(4-6)

Week 11:

Cleveland defeated Pittsburgh on Thursday night to move within two games of a playoff spot. However, they lost defensive end Myles Garrett for the season after he lost his mind during an altercation with Pittsburgh’s Mason Rudolph, striking the Steelers quarterback in the head with his own helmet.

Next game:

vs. Miami Dolphins (2-8)

9. Tennessee Titans (5-5)

Week 11:

Bye week

Next game:

vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

8. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-5)

Week 11:

Mason Rudolph throws four interceptions in Thursday-night loss.

Next game:

at Cincinnati Bengals (0-10)

7. Oakland Raiders (6-4)

Week 11:

Raiders hang on to defeat winless Bengals 17-10 as Derek Carr throws for 292 yards on an efficient 25-of-29 passing day.

Next game:

at New York Jets (3-7)

Playoff teams recap:

6. Houston Texans(6-4)

Week 11:

Houston was smoked by Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens 41-7. The loss drops them out of first place in the AFC South.

Next game:

vs. Indianapolis Colts (6-4)

5. Buffalo Bills (7-3)

Week 11:

Buffalo trounced the Miami Dolphins 37-20 on Josh Allen’s four total touchdowns.

Next game:

vs. Denver Broncos (3-7)

4. Indianapolis Colts(6-4)

Week 11:

Jacoby Brissett returns and the Colts dominate Jacksonville 33-13.

Next game:

at Houston (6-4)

3. Kansas City Chiefs (7-3)

Week 11:

Kansas City bested division-rival Los Angeles Chargers 24-17 on Monday Night Football despite a quiet day from Patrick Mahomes.

Next game:

Bye week

2. Baltimore Ravens (8-2)

Week 11:

Baltimore routed the prospective playoff-bound Houston Texans 41-7. as the Ravens offense put up 491 total yards on the day.

Next game:

at Los Angeles Rams (6-4)

1. New England Patriots (9-1)

Week 11:

After a slow start, New England’s defense locked down the Philadelphia Eagles in a 17-10 win.

Next game:

vs. Dallas Cowboys (6-4)

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Colts’ player of the game vs. Jaguars: CB Kenny Moore

Kenny Moore carried the secondary.

In a week where the Indianapolis Colts (6-4) needed a bounce back win, cornerback Kenny Moore rose to the occasion and had a great performance in the 33-13 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-6).

The defense knew the Jaguars were going to come in throwing the ball heavily with the return of their starting quarterback Nick Foles. Foles hadn’t played since Week 1 against Kansas City.

Moore finished the day with a team leading eight total tackles, one sack, one tackle for a loss and a huge pass breakup on a fourth-down attempt.

That pass defended that came in the third quarter when Jacksonville went for it on fourth and four. Foles fired one to D.J. Chark on a corner route and Moore came out of nowhere to tip the ball away.

With Pierre Desir still out and Rock Ya-Sin getting hurt as well, Moore had to carry this secondary and did so flawlessly.

The Colts are now 6-4 and on top of the AFC South with a Texans loss. Hopefully, Moore can continue his success in the slot when the Colts travel to Houston for a huge divisional game.

Games to watch for Chiefs fans in Week 11

Pay attention to these games during Week 11 of the 2019 season if you’re a Chiefs fan.

The Kansas City Chiefs will play during Monday Night Football in Week 11.

That means you can spend your entire football Sunday watching other games across the league. As the end of the season gets closer, you’ll want to keep a closer eye on the AFC West and the rest of the AFC. You can check out the box scores or watch the RedZone Channel on your Fubo.tv account (try it for free).

Here are the top games for Chiefs fans to keep an eye on in Week 11:

Steve Flynn–USA TODAY Sports

Texans at Ravens – noon CT

The most important reason to watch this football game is because it’s likely to be one of the best of the regular season. You’ve got two high-powered AFC offenses going toe-to-toe with some big-time implications in the AFC playoff picture. That last part is also important for Kansas City Chiefs fans.

If the Ravens lose, it puts the Chiefs one game closer to the No. 2 seed again. On the other hand, if the Texans lose it also helps Kansas City because they hold a head-to-head tiebreaker over the Chiefs. Could the football gods bless the Chiefs with a draw in this game? Probably not.

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The ugliest moments in sports history

Myles Garrett of the Browns hit the Steelers Mason Rudolph in the head with a helmet in an awful scene Thursday.

The rivalry between the Pittsburgh and Cleveland turned beyond ugly and brutal in the fourth quarter Thursday when Browns defensive lineman Myles Garrett swung and hit Mason Rudolph in the head with the quarterback’s helmet in the final seconds.

AP Photo/David Richard

Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield was forceful in his comments about the melee with Erin Andrews after the game.

This joins some of the ugliest moments in the history of sports.

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4 Jaguars the Colts must game plan for in Week 11

Watch out for the these Jaguars in Week 11.

After last week’s embarrassing loss to the Miami Dolphins at home, the Indianapolis Colts desperately need a rebound on Sunday when the Jaguars visit Lucas Oil Stadium. This is the first time these two teams meet this season.

The Jaguars will be going through a quarterback change this week as Nick Foles will be making his first start since he broke his collarbone Week 1 against Kansas City. Gardner Minshew has held down the fort but has ultimately struggled in recent weeks.

The offense will look different with Foles under center no doubt, but the way this season has gone anything can happen. Outside of the quarterback position, there are plenty of talented players on Jacksonville’s roster.

Here are four Jaguars the Colts must game plan to win in Week 11:

(Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports)

RB Leonard Fournette

The Colts have been getting better in run defense, but Fournette may be one of the better backs the Colts get to face this season. Averaging 4.8 yards per carry, he is a tough, downhill runner who can not be brought down with arm tackles.

Fournette has 831 yards on the year but only has gotten in the end zone once. The Jaguars struggle in the red zone and rarely turn to their running back in key third-down situations. Regardless, the Colts front seven must be able to stop Fournette if they want to pick up a win. By stopping him, the rest of their offensive scheme will suffer.

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Updated look at Bills’ remaining strength of schedule

Buffalo Bills remaining stretch of schedule in 2019.

The Bills sit at 6-3 after their 19-16 loss to the Browns and their 2019 schedule down the stretch is much tougher.

So, how much tougher is it exactly?

Currently the Bills sit dead-center in the NFL.

Buffalo has the 16th hardest schedule remaining in the NFL. Left on Buffalo’s schedule, in order, are the Dolphins, Broncos, Cowboys, Ravens, Steelers, Patriots and Jets.

Combined, those teams are 32-31 overall this year with a .508 winning percentage.

Earlier this season, NFL analysts were critical of the Bills and their opponents. Now the Bills will have a chance to prove they can beat better teams.

With the Bills’ schedule in mind, let’s now compare that with the other teams currently in the AFC Wild Card and playoff picture. If Buffalo doesn’t get it done, things could go bad.

Here’s how the standings currently sit with team records and remaining strength of schedule.

AFC seeding:

  1. New England Patriots (8-1, .469 – 21st hardest)
  2. Baltimore Ravens (7-2, .556 – 7th)
  3. Houston Texans (6-3, .554 – 9th)
  4. Kansas City Chiefs (6-4, .500 – 17th)
  5. Buffalo Bills (6-3, .508 – 16th)
  6. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-4, .383 – 30th)
  7. Oakland Raiders (5-4, .364 – 31st)
  8. Indianapolis Colts (5-4, .531 – 13th)
  9. Tennessee Titans (5-5, .611 – 3rd)
  10. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-5, .446 – 25th)

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