The Indianapolis Colts (7-4, 3-2 away) and the Houston Texans (4-7, 2-3 home) meet up in Week 13 of the NFL season on Sunday. The AFC South divisional battle is the first meeting between the two teams this season, who will face each other again in Indianapolis in two weeks.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. EST inside NRG Stadium in Houston. Indianapolis is a three-point favorite, according to oddsmakers.
What to Know – Indianapolis Colts
After dumping the Tennessee Titans on Thursday Night Football four weeks ago, the Colts stumbled in a 45-26 rematch loss to the Titans last weekend. With the loss, the Colts now are one game back of the division lead, making each game the remainder of the season important.
Veteran Philip Rivers completed 24-of-42 passes for 295 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in the blowout loss. Backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett was utilized in goal-line situations and rushed for a pair of touchdown scores on quarterback keepers.
Nyheim Hines, filling in for starting running back Jonathan Taylor (reserve/COVID-19 list), carried the ball 10 times for just 29 yards. Jordan Wilkins chipped in six rushes for 22 yards in a game that saw the Colts rush for just 56 yards as a team.
T.Y. Hilton caught four passes for a season-high 81 yards and his first touchdown reception of the season. The four-time Pro Bowler went 14 games dating back to last season without finding the end zone. Tight end Trey Burton hauled in three catches for 42 yards and one score, his second consecutive week with a score.
What to Know – Houston Texans
The Texans have fought back and won three of their last four games in a forgettable season for Houston, including a Thanksgiving rout on the road against the Detroit Lions. Looking to extend its two-game winning streak, Houston will have to do it without top wideout Will Fuller V, who was suspended last weekend for six games for taking a banned substance.
Deshaun Watson was unstoppable against the Lions, throwing for 318 yards and four touchdowns on 17-of-25 passing. Over the last two games, Watson has accounted for seven touchdowns and thrown for over 650 yards.
Houston rushed the ball for just 77 yards in the game, with running back Duke Johnson leading the way on nine carries for 37 yards. Johnson added three receptions for 43 yards and a touchdown reception.
Fuller exploded for 171 yards receiving and a pair of touchdowns but will now be sidelined for the remainder of the regular season. Look for Brandin Cooks (five catches, 85 yards) and Keke Coutee (two catches, 17 yards) to have expanded roles for the Texans in Fuller’s absence.
The Pick is In
Watson and the Texans have performed a lot better in recent weeks in their victories over the New England Patriots and Lions. Meanwhile, the Colts were rolling before being punched in the mouth against the Titans.
Indianapolis should welcome back some key pieces from the COVID-19 list and put last week’s performance in the rearview mirror.
The Pick: Colts -3
