Welcome to the de facto AFC South title game. The Houston Texans managed a big 27-13 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Colts struggled to get going against Cleveland, needing a last-minute go ahead score to win 25-24. All that means that the Texans now trail Indianapolis by two games in the AFC South, and a win Sunday could pull them within a single game heading down the stretch.
Can the Texans make a run for the division title with a big win at Indianapolis? Or will the Colts continue to find ways to win? Read on for more on this crucial game or for more on the exciting matchups in this season’s playoff hunt, check out our complete previews for the Dolphins vs. Patriots and Cowboys vs. Eagles games.
[sc:Football ]Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts Preview
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
When: Sunday, December 14, 1:00 PM ET
Line: Houston Texans (+6.5) at Indianapolis Colts (-6.5); total: 49.0 – view all NFL lines
Betting on the Houston Texans
Arian Foster ran for 127 yards and a touchdown on Sunday to lead the Houston Texans to back-to-back wins for the first time since Week 2. Meanwhile, quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was just ok, going 13 for 19 for 135 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.
[sc:NFL240banner ]The last time these two teams met, in Week 6, running back Arian Foster did his best to keep the Texans in step with Indianapolis, burning a vulnerable Colts front seven for 5.5 yards per carry and two scores in a 33-28 loss. Foster has cleared 100 yards rushing in seven of his ten starts this season.
Fitzpatrick had a decent game (15-23 for 212 yards and a score) in the Texans first game against the Colts, but may struggle this time around without one of his main weapons in the receiving corps.
Wide receiver Andre Johnson suffered a concussion against Jacksonville on Sunday and may not be able to suit up in Week 15. Johnson leads the team in receptions (65) and had 99 yards and a score on seven catches against the Colts in Week 6.
On the other side of the ball, J.J. Watt continued to dominate opposing offenses with three sacks against Jacksonville to bring his total to five in the back-to-back wins. Watt should figure prominently in the pass rush against Andrew Luck and company. Watt had two sacks and a 45-yard fumble return score against the Colts in Week 6.
The star defensive end may even have a bigger game, considering the Colts’ injury-laden offensive line, which was exploited by Cleveland for three sacks and a lost fumble from Andrew Luck in Week 14.
The Texans are 5-2 ATS on the road this season.
Betting on the Indianapolis Colts
Playing behind a banged up offensive line, Luck was repeatedly harassed by Cleveland’s defense into his worst game of the season last week. He completed only 45.3 percent of his passes for 294 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions for a season-low 59.8 passer rating. One of Luck’s interceptions and his lost fumble were both returned for touchdowns.
Luck may continue to struggle against the Texans, but perhaps he should help himself by continuing to lean on T.Y. Hilton. Hilton has 334 yards receiving and four touchdowns in the past three weeks. The Colts’ leading receiver had a season-high 223 yards and a touchdown on nine catches in the Week 6 game against the Texans.
Daniel “Boom” Herron adds another dimension to the Colts’ offense from the backfield. He delivered on a clutch fourth down conversion to keep Indianapolis’ winning drive alive on Sunday. Herron has rushed for 6.4 yards per carry in the past three weeks, which could give the Colts the edge they need against a Texans defense which has been tough to beat on the run. The Texans have allowed 3.9 yards per carry in the season.
Part of Indianapolis’ success against the Texans in Week 6 was a relentless blitz with five sacks and eight quarterback hits against Fitzpatrick. They’ll need to establish the same suffocating pass rush to significantly hamper the Texans’ offense.
Linebackers Erik Walden and Jonathan Newsome spearhead Indianapolis’ blitz. Walden has three sacks in the past two games, while Newsome had 1.5 against the Browns showing they’re in good form to hound Houston’s quarterback heading into this game. Each had a sack against Fitzpatrick in Week 6.
The Colts are 4-0 ATS at home against the Texans since 2010.
Writer’s Prediction
Luck continues to struggle behind a banged-up offensive line. The Colts (-6.5) still win, but fall short of covering the spread against Houston. Rooting for one of these teams? Create a betting account now and back your side.
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