Colts vs. Texans: Week 7 game predictions

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 30: Nyheim Hines #42 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates a touchdown in the third quarter against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 30: Nyheim Hines #42 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates a touchdown in the third quarter against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)

The Colts have owned the Texans in most of the games between these two. Will they continue that dominance, or will Houston take a bigger lead in the division?

The Colts get to stay at home after the bye week, as they play the Texans in a battle for first place. Houston is coming in red hot, especially on offense. The Colts are coming in high on confidence as well, but still a little banged up. How will it all shake out?

First off, this game should be close the entire way. Neither team has really shown the ability to be a truly dominant team this season. Both have shown flashes of greatness, but have mostly played inconsistently. That’s why this game should be close throughout.

Deshaun Watson has been playing some really good football early this year. He hasn’t faced the Colts many times though, only playing them last year in three separate contests. In the playoffs, the Colts defense was able to shut him down, only allowing 235 yards and 1 touchdown while intercepting him once as well.

Marlon Mack has a chance at another field day like he had in that same playoff game. Expect him to be used early and often in this one, as the Colts will try to posses the ball a long time. They want to keep Watson off the field in a similar fashion to what they did to Patrick Mahomes.

Game Predictions: Colts 24 Texans 21

Home field should help the Colts in this one. Having T.Y. Hilton also should, as he owns real estate in Houston’s mind. He owns them every time he faces them. Expect more of the same in this one. Jacoby Brissett does just enough to lead the team to a big victory at home.

Winning this game would give the Colts the outright lead for the AFC South. It’s a big game, and they’ll be ready for it.

Schedule