Colts vs. Texans: Week 12 preview

Just like the last matchup between these two, this game is extremely important for both teams. The winner likely will win the AFC South while the loser will have to fight for a wild card.

Short weeks are never fun, but they are more fun when you win. The Colts are coming off a big one, beating the Jags 33-13. Meanwhile the Texans got smoked 41-7. They can’t be too happy after getting embarrassed like that. They will come in angry.

Anger might not be enough, but the lack of playmakers that the Colts have available might be. Marlon Mack has already been ruled out and it would be surprising to see T.Y. Hilton or Parris Campbell out there. The offense is having issues keeping playmakers out there.

The injuries in general will play a big part in this game. The Colts are getting killed with injuries on both sides of the ball. That’s the biggest thing going against them. The game is in Houston, which the Colts typically play well in. But without Hilton or Mack, things could be hard to come by.

Houston’s defense hasn’t been great this season either. In their first matchup with Indy they gave up 30 points. They’re just coming off a game in which they gave up 41. J.J. Watt isn’t coming back this season either, and they might be without Bradley Roby. There are points to be scored for the Colts.

If the Colts are going to win this game it will be because of Frank Reich. Reich will have to come up with some good plays and unique ways to get his guys out in space. If that doesn’t happen, this could be a tough game for them to come out on top.

The Colts’ defense should keep the team in it. They held the Texans to three field goals in different spots in the first matchup. That ended up being the difference in the game. This Colts defense is playing well enough right now to keep a game with anyone close.

Hopefully the Colts will be a little bit healthier than they look like they’ll be right now. But no matter what, this will be a good game on a Thursday night.