The Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts finish their season series in Week 12. Colts Wire answered questions to preview the matchup.
The Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts hook up for a Thursday night encounter at NRG Stadium to kickoff Week 12 in the NFL. To get ready for the AFC South rematch, Kevin Hickey, managing editor of the Colts Wire, took time to answer some questions.
texans wire: what is the colts’ strategy on preparing during a short week?
Kevin Hickey: Their first objective is to get healthy. They haven’t practiced yet this week but during Monday’s walkthrough, they had 11 players listed as did not participate. That number has gone down since then, but they have to get healthy first. Because it is a divisional game, there aren’t a ton of new installs that need to be emphasized. They already know what works against the Texans so it may just be going over a few more wrinkles in the game plan to keep them guessing.
TW: HOW WILL THE COLTS GET THEIR RUN GAME GOING WITHOUT MARLON MACK?
KH: It won’t be as easy because of Mack’s ability to break off a big run at anytime. But even when he’s healthy the success of the rushing attack begins with the offensive line. As Quenton Nelson continues to be an elite guard, he needs to lead the way whether they are running zone blocking or power. Jonathan Williams is likely to step in for Mack, and he had 13 carries for 116 yards in relief in Week 11.
tw: who would be the next colts receiver to torch the texans?
KH: That’s a good question. The Colts are still holding out hope for T.Y. Hilton to be ready, but that’s still up in the air. The defacto WR1 role goes to Zach Pascal, who went off for 106 yards and 2 touchdowns in Week 7 against the Texans. The Colts don’t have a deep wide receiver corps right now, but he would be the one to key on in the passing game.
WHAT ARE SOME WEAKNESSES THE TEXANS COULD EXPLOIT?
KH: The right side of the offensive line is certainly a weakness. Right guard Mark Glowinski has regressed incredibly while right tackle Braden Smith hasn’t shown a lot of improvement in Year 2. The Texans need to get their best defender head up from Glowinski or run some stunts on the right side. That has really given them trouble this year. Also, Deshaun Watson will want to attack the seams. The Colts mostly run a two-high zone so getting DeAndre Hopkins in the slot or getting Darren Fells involved in the middle of the field should help.
TW: are there any concerns jacoby brissett could get re-injured?
KH: No. Brissett could have played in Week 10 against the Dolphins but Frank Reich decided against it. Even though he was less than 100% in Week 11, he still looked capable of moving in the pocket and avoiding a rush. His change of direction didn’t look hindered at all.
what is your prediction? do you have a bold prediction?
KH: I still expect this to be a close game. However, being at NRG Stadium and with some very significant injuries, the Texans offense might be too much to overcome while the passing game for the Colts struggles. I’ve got it Texans, 24-20.
The Indianapolis Colts will be without one of their top offensive weapons after running back Marlon Mack suffered a fractured hand in the Week 11 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Mack underwent a procedure on Monday morning and while there isn’t a specific timetable for his return, the third-year back is expected to miss some time.
However, it doesn’t appear to be long enough to have a discussion of putting Mack on the injured reserve list.
“That has not been discussed at this point,” head coach Frank Reich told reporters Tuesday.
The Colts will be without Mack for a crucial part of the schedule—one that likely determines the fate of their season. They have the short week against Houston, then they are at home against the Tennessee Titans before two road trips against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New Orleans Saints.
Mack has been enjoying a Pro Bowl-caliber season. Entering Week 12, he has taken 192 carries for 862 yards and four touchdowns while averaging 4.5 yards per carry. He’s currently fifth in the NFL in rushing yards.
The 23-year-old will be out a few weeks to recover from the injury, but as Adam Schefter reported on Monday, it’s not believed to be season-ending.
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.
Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack suffered a hand fracture against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday and underwent a procedure Monday morning.
Colts head coach Frank Reich confirmed to the media Monday that Mack had his procedure, but he didn’t give a timetable on when the third-year running back might be able to return.
However, he did mention it is likely going to be a few weeks for recovery from the procedure.
Colts RB Marlon Mack fractured his hand and had surgery this morning. Out this week for sure, no timetable. But it'll likely be a few weeks.
Mack was on his way to another strong outing on Sunday. He had 14 carries for 109 yards and a touchdown. He suffered the injury on a 20-yard run in the third quarter and was quickly ruled out for the game.
As the Colts turn around on a short week, Reich said they will use a combination of Nyheim Hines, Jordan Wilkins and Jonathan Williams on Thursday night.
Tunnel Vision – a look back at Sunday for fantasy free agents, injuries and notable performances.
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
SUNDAY SALUTES
Quarterbacks
Yards
TD
Josh Allen
256-56
4
Jimmy Garoppolo
424-7
4
Lamar Jackson
222-86
4
Dak Prescott
444-18
3
Sam Darnold
293-(-3)
4
Running Backs
Yards
TD
Mark Ingram
85
2
Ezekiel Elliott
73
2
Christian McCaffrey
191
0
Todd Gurley
133
1
Marlon Mack
109
1
Wide Receivers
Yards
TD
John Brown
137
2
D.J. Chark
104
2
Calvin Ridley
143
1
Stefon Diggs
121
1
Randall Cobb
115
1
Tight Ends
Yards
TD
Ryan Griffin
109
1
Mark Andrews
75
1
Ross Dwelley
14
2
Kyle Rudolph
67
1
Dallas Goedert
36
1
Placekickers
XP
FG
Steven Hauschka
4
3
Brandon McManus
2
3
Justin Tucker
5
2
Will Lutz
4
2
Younghoe Koo
2
3
Defense
Sck-TO
TD
Falcons
5-4
1
Browns
4-4
0
Ravens
7-2
0
Saints
2-4
1
49ers
4-2
1
Bumps, Bruises and Bowouts
RB Marlon Mack – Hand
WR Auden Tate – Neck
QB Jameis Winston – Ankle
WR Phillip Dorsett – Head
RB James Conner – Shoulder
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster – Concussion
WR Diontae Johnson – Concussion
QB Mitchell Trubisky – Hip/futility
Chasing Ambulances
A light week is always great to see. But it also means fewer new options for free agents. Winston is expected to be fine, so there was just one injury that will force a depth chart change.
RB Marlon Mack – Is reported to have fractured his hand which means multiple weeks. Jordan Wilkins is out with an ankle injury and never practiced last week. That forced the Colts to rely on fourth-year scrub depth player Jonathan Williams who is already on his third team and only totaled 32 career carries before this week. He ran for 116 yards on just 13 carries thanks in part to a 48-yard gain. Nyheim Hines remains the third-down back. Williams will fill in until either Mack or Wilkins returns.
RB James Conner – While he was off the injury report, Conner re-injured his shoulder last Thursday and hurt is fantasy owners while preventing Jaylen Samuel owners from knowing that they should start their guy. This is a situation worth tracking since the Steelers play @CIN, CLE, and @ARI next. The Bengals next week is particularly appealing. Trey Edmunds stepped in and ran for 11 yards and caught three passes for 27 yards in relief last week. That was a blowout loss – there should be more work for the backfield this week.
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster – Both he and Diontae Johnson left wrestle mania the game with concussions and Johnson seemed to be somewhat severe. If either receiver (or both) is still out, James Washington becomes the No. 1 wideout but that doesn’t mean much will happen. It certainly did not last week.
Free Agents, Flops and Other Notables
QBDeshaun Watson – Only passed for 169 yards and no scores at the Ravens. Fortunately, DeAndre Hopkins (7-80) still had a decent game, unlike all other receivers. Watson is a top fantasy quarterback but has to face IND, NE and DEN next though all are at home.
RB Gus Edwards – He ran for 112 yards and a touchdown on eight carries but he only had two rushes by halftime and Mark Ingram already had eight. Edwards broke off a 63-yard scoring run at the end of the fourth quarter but there’s no change in the backfield. Ingram remains the primary and thanks to Lamar Jackson, that still doesn’t mean that much work.
RB Brian Hill – Not only was he limited to only 30 yards on 15 carries, but it was against the No. 27 defense versus running backs. Kenjon Barner (2-15) and the rookie Qadree Ollison (4-11, TD) both looked better. The next two games face the Buccaneers and Saints which both sport Top-5 defenses versus running backs so there is no right answer here,
RB Ezekiel Elliott – Only ran for 45 yards on 16 carries but did score once and added two catches for 28 yards and a second score. He ran for 152 yards against the Lions last year. Considering the “Got Paid” eras for David Johnson, Le’Veon Bell and Todd Gurley, and now Elliott struggles, have to wonder if that feeds into the next wave of running backs looking to cash in on that second contract.
RB Bo Scarbrough – Was originally drafted by the Cowboys last year and then cut, the ex-Alabama back was called up from the practice squad for his first NFL action. He ran for 55 yards and one score on 14 carries (better than, ahem, Ezekiel in the same game). Ty Johnson has proven to be a non-factor and J.D. McKissic is just a third-down back. Scarbrough will face the Redskins next week and that holds at least a low-level opportunity for a fantasy start.
QB Nick Foles – His return as a starter didn’t cause a win, but at least he threw for 296 yards and two scores. DJ Chark ended with eight catches for 104 yards and both touchdowns, so the switch may actually help Chark. Just not, apparently, anyone else.
WR DeVante Parker – Caught a team-high seven passes for 135 yards in the loss to the Bills. With Preston Williams on injured reserve, Parker is about all the Fins have as wideouts. Allen Hurns turned in four catches for 53 yards replacing Williams and they just signed him to a two-year extension. But Parker holds the only fantasy value on this entire team.
WR Courtland Sutton – The Broncos season is already over and Brandon Allen took the start in Week 9 after Joe Flacco left. That hasn’t proven to be a benefit for anyone – except for Sutton. In Week 9, he caught five passes for 56 yards and a touchdown at the Colts, and then this week he led the team with five receptions for 113 yards in Minnesota. The schedule is not that kind but he comes off one of his worst matchups looking great.
TE Cameron Brate – The Buccaneers played the Saints who were without CB Marshon Lattimore but still managed to handle Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. As perhaps the final middle finger to fantasy owners, O.J. Howard bobbled an easy catch and ended up benched because it was picked off his back for an interception. That left Brate to reel in a career-high ten passes for 73 yards. Why didn’t they trade Howard?
TE Ryan Griffin – The Jets put Chris Herndon on injured reserve so Griffin is still best of the bunch. And that was pretty good against the Redskins. Griffin ended as the top receiver with 109 yards on five catches. Oddly, his last three home games total 27 yards on five receptions. His last three road games add up to 215 yards on 15 catches. He’ll play at the Bengals in Week 13.
RB Derrius Guice – Adrian Peterson remains the primary back, but that only meant nine runs for 25 yards versus the Jets. Guice gained 24 yards on seven rushes and he added one catch for a 45-yard touchdown. The 1-9 Redskins are already trying new things like seventh-round rookie wideout Kelvin Harmon (5-53) and Guice showing up in the box score should get him more work. Not so great for Adrian Peterson.
RB David Johnson – Say goodnight, DJ. He was healthy(ish). He was active. And he never had a touch. Kenyan Drake took them all – 16 carries for 67 yards and six catches for 13 yards at the 49ers. Barring some encouraging words from HC Kliff Kingsbury, that first-round pick has to take the bench and watch.
WR Deebo Samuel – Granted, both games were at home but the rookie turned in eight catches for 112 yards in Week 10 versus the Seahawks and then eight receptions for 134 yards on Sunday against the Cardinals. He’s offering far more consistency and production than any other wideout.
RB Joe Mixon – Too little, too late, but at least Mixon showed up in Week 10 with 151 total yards against the Ravens. On Sunday, he ran for 86 yards on 15 carries (5.7 YPC) and scored in Oakland.
QB Tom Brady – He only threw for 216 yards and no scores at the Eagles and he ended with a QB rating of just 67.3. He had nearly no deep ball and really hasn’t this season. I realize that he is only 42, but he looked slow and old.
Huddle player of the week
John Brown – This was a low-scoring week for fantasy players other than quarterbacks like Josh Allen, Jimmy Garoppolo, Lamar Jackson and Dak Prescott. Brown was the top wideout and higher scoring than any running back when he caught nine passes for 137 yards and two touchdowns. He suffers from playing in an offense that is all about the run, but he doesn’t suffer every week.
Salute!
Drama 101 – Somebody has to laugh, somebody has to cry
It’s almost the most important time of the fantasy football season. And for those of you who are on the outside of the playoff bubble, it is the most important time. It’s when teams get eliminated and relegated to the much-dreaded consolation bracket. I, for one, cannot be consoled if I land there.
So if you’re in need of a push over the finish line, then prepare for the playoffs with a key waiver wire addition. An injury to Colts running back Marlon Mack could create significant value. And we may have witnessed a breakout game for a Lions running back not named Kerryon Johnson.
Here are eight players you should consider claiming off waivers this week.
8. Tim Patrick, WR, Broncos
ESPN: 1%. Yahoo! 0%.
Patrick is probably only worth owning in keeper and dynasty formats. But he’s been an intriguing player, consistently jumping past DaeSean Hamilton on the depth chart for targets since 2018. Patrick returned from IR, and appears to be the No. 2 receiver in Denver.
7. Jay Ajayi, RB, Eagles
Winslow Townson/AP Images
ESPN: 1%. Yahoo! 23%.
The excitement about the Ajayi signing may have gone a bit too far. Miles Sanders was the lead back against the Patriots in Week 11, and was OK without a complement in Jordan Howard. If Howard, Sanders and Ajayi are all active in a three-man committee, that will make for unhappy fantasy owners. Still, if you have a spot on your roster, Ajayi could be worth stashing.
6. Ryan Griffin, TE, Jets
ESPN: 1%. Yahoo! 3%.
It seems Chris Herndon has failed his backers. Griffin is the Jets’ top tight end, with five receptions, 109 yards and a touchdown against the Redskins in Week 11. If you’re in need of an option, Griffin is probably as good as any on the waiver wire.
5. Devante Parker, WR, Dolphins
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN: 58%. Yahoo! 45%.
He’s a well-owned player, so it’s likely he’s not available in your league. But he should be owned in all leagues. Miami is going to trail their opponents for most of the season, which means they’re going to favor the passing game for most of the season. That means that even though Parker is in a bad offense, he may get easy, garbage-time production.
4. Deebo Samuel, WR, 49ers
ESPN: 25%. Yahoo! 54%.
The 49ers have very few reliable fantasy football players in their lineup. Kyle Shanahan features a different running back or receiver in seemingly every game. But Deebo Samuel has been on a nice two-game run, with 16 receptions for 146 yards. He’s worth owning — and maybe even playing in a pinch.
3. Ross Dwelley, TE, 49ers
ESPN: 7%. Yahoo! 14%.
In the absence of George Kittle, Dwelley served as a touchdown magnet. He had four catches for 14 yards and two TDs. Fantasy football owners who have Kittle (or even play against Kittle) should also own Dwelley, in the event Kittle misses another week.
2. Bo Scarbrough, RB, Lions
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN: 0%. Yahoo! 1%.
Detroit wasn’t getting production from their who’s-who cast of running backs in recent weeks. Ty Johnson wasn’t cutting it between the tackles. But perhaps the Lions have found their running back who will serve as a holdover while Kerryon Johnson is on IR. Scarbrough, an Alabama alumnus, had 14 carries for 55 yards and a touchdown this week.
1. Jonathan Williams, RB, Colts
ESPN: 0%. Yahoo! 1%.
Marlon Mack said he would be OK, but it seems the doctors are saying otherwise. He appears to have suffered a fractured hand, according to NFL Network. Jonathan Williams took over after Marlon Mack left the game on Sunday. Williams was outstanding with 13 carries for 116 yards.
The Indianapolis Colts (6-4) have to turn around quickly from their 33-13 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-6) to prepare for their Thursday night bout on the road.
It seems they will be making the trip to NRG Stadium to face the Houston Texans (6-4) without starting running back Marlon Mack, who reportedly suffered a hand fracture during Sunday’s win.
It isn’t clear how long Mack will be out with the hand fracture. There are more tests to come Monday, but he reportedly won’t play against the Texans on Thursday night.
#Colts RB Marlon Mack suffered a right hand fracture during today’s game, source said, but the severity will be determined after seeing specialists early this week. He almost certainly won’t play Thursday, but it’s up in the air beyond that.
Colts’ RB Marlon Mack fractured his hand, per source. More tests to determine whether he needs surgery and how long he will miss, but Mack will not play Thursday night.
Mack had a huge game against the Jaguars before he left halfway through the third quarter. He was enjoying a strong day to the tune of 14 carries for 109 yards and a touchdown.
The third-year back has been enjoying a Pro Bowl caliber season in 2019. He has taken 192 carries for 862 yards and four touchdowns while averaging 4.5 yards per carry.
With Mack unlikely to play Thursday night, the Colts will likely rely on a combination of Nyheim Hines, Jonathan Williams and Jordan Wilkins (if he can play).
The Colts face a crucial battle for the top spot in the division on Thursday night, but it seems they will be going at it without Mack.
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.
Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack suffered a hand injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars and won’t return to the game on Sunday.
Mack was tearing up the Jaguars defense. He left early in the third quarter during the team’s opening drive to open the second half but wasn’t on the field for the goal-line plays.
Mack will finish the game with 14 carries for 109 yards and a touchdown. Taking his place will be Nyheim Hines and Jonathan Williams.
Marlon Mack (hand) is OUT for the rest of the game. Big loss for the Colts.
The Indianapolis Colts fell early but running back Marlon Mack isn’t afraid to put the offense on his back. After the Jacksonville Jaguars got out to an early lead, Mack spun his way to a big-boy touchdown in the first quarter.
Mack had several big runs on his way to the endzone. On a second-and-eight, the third-year back kept his feet moving and used two spin moves to get away from Jaguars defenders to eventually find pay dirt.
