After losing control of first place in the AFC South, the Indianapolis Colts are plotting to rebound and make a return in the win column. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans will try to continue their winning streak after receiving some bad news of late with regards to some of their players. Check out our preview of this game below.
The Colts got tripped up by the Tennessee Titans in last Sunday’s 45-26 loss, which led to Indianapolis falling instantly out of the playoff picture. Philip Rivers went 24 of 42 for 295 passing yards and two touchdowns with an interception, while the Colts’ backfield made just 56 rushing yards on 21 carries, though it produced two touchdowns. The Colts didn’t have star rookie running back Jonathan Taylor in that game, as he was put on the reserve/COVID-19 list prior to the contest. It remains uncertain whether Taylor will be back, but the pair of Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins can look forward to putting up a more efficient performance on the ground, as Houston is 31st in the NFL against the run, with 154.7 rushing yards allowed per game. Meanwhile, the Colts’ defense should have an easier time making stops than it did in the Tennessee game. Houston is going to be without Randall Cobb and Will Fuller downfield and David Johnson in the backfield.
The Colts, who are allowing just 23.0 points per game, are 3-1 against the spread in their last four road games.
The Texans had a happy Thanksgiving Day, as they celebrated the event by causing the firing of Matt Patricia. The Texans defeated the Detroit Lions last week, 41-25, on the strength of Deshaun Watson’s arm. Watson went 17 0f 25 for 318 passing yards and four touchdowns without an interception. Will Fuller had 171 receiving yards and two touchdowns on six catches, but with him suspended for the rest of the year after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug that’s banned by the NFL, Keke Coutee, Jordan Akins, and Brandin Cooks will all have to step up to keep Houston’s passing attack going. The Texans are averaging 277.3 passing yards per game, which is third-most in the NFL and 8.4 yards per pass –highest in the league overall. Although they don’t have David Johnson, the Texans can rely on Duke Johnson to take advantage of the Colts’ run defense that has allowed 140.5 rushing yards over Indianapolis’ last four games.
The under is 5-1 in the Colts’ last six home games.
