Colts vs. Texans Preview: Who Wins and Why

Indianapolis ends their season Sunday against the Houston Texans. Neither team has had the season they hoped for, but who will win the final match-up of the year?

The Colts face a battered and beaten Texans team in Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday. Neither team has a winning record coming into this one, and both will have high draft picks come April. Both teams are playing backup quarterbacks, and in Houston’s case, a third string QB.

The news from the Houston Chronicle that Deandre Hopkins will not play will help the Colts in the secondary. He is by far the most dangerous weapon that the Texans have, and third-string quarterback T.J. Yates will need all the help he can get.

Meanwhile on the Colts offense, Jacoby Brissett needs to get off to a strong start. The Texans have one of the best defenses in the NFL, so starting well early offensively will be a must if Indianapolis expects to win this game. They will need to come out with aggressive play-calling to keep Houston on their toes.

Defensively for Indianapolis, they need to key in on the run game. If they can stop Lamar Miller and Alfred Blue, Houston’s offense is in for a long day. They would be at the mercy of Yates’ arm, and that shouldn’t strike fear into anyone’s hearts.

Key match-up: Colts O-Line vs. Texans D-Line

This match-up in the trenches will determine the outcome of the game. If the Colts can corral Jadeveon Clowney and company, they should be able to open up holes in the run game to set up the pass. If they can’t, the defense of Houston will have a field day and tee off on Brissett in the backfield.

Game Prediction: Colts 14 Texans 10

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The Colts should be able to handle Houston’s offense and will get just enough of offense to win the final game of 2017. Expect Brissett to surprise people and have a big day.