Colts: 3 surprise division rivals who could burn Indy

The Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans seem destined to go toe-to-toe for the AFC South crown next season, as the Jaguars (though they’re projected to make strides after drafting Trevor Lawrence first overall) and Texans are projected to be two of the NFL’s worst teams.

With that being said, however, the Colts learned in 2020 that they can’t underestimate their inferior division rivals. Not only were they upset by Jacksonville in Week 1, but the Texans took them to the brink of an upset in both of their meetings.

If you can believe it, the Colts and Titans exchanged blowouts in their two matchups, with Indy winning 34-17 on Thursday Night Football in Week 10 and Tennessee coming out on top in the form of a 45-26 thrashing in front of the Colts’ home crowd two weeks later.

While the Colts should be favored in both matchups vs the Titans this season, all three rivals should present some semblance of a challenge in 2021. In fact, don’t be surprised if these three surprise players break out in a big way and potentially burn Indy this campaign.

The Colts need to watch out for these potential breakout players in the AFC South.

3.Charles Omenihu

No, the Texans’ defense as a unit shouldn’t scare the Colts. After all, JJ Watt was the only thing keeping them relevant, and he signed with the Cardinals in free agency.

However, Charles Omenihu is someone fans in Houston are excited about, and rightfully so considering his production over his first two seasons. Despite making just five starts and playing 45% of the defensive snaps, Omenihu has tallied 30 tackles, seven sacks, 21 QB hits, four passes defended, two forced fumbles and 34 pressures.

Could Charles Omenihu cause the Colts’ problems in 2021?

Needless to say the Texans’ defensive line is nothing to write home about, but Omenihu could wreak havoc against Indy if Houston manages to isolate him in 1-v-1 matchups.

The 2019 fifth-round selection has exceeded expectations as a pass rusher thus far, but he entered the league as a proven run stuffer after an outstanding career at Texas, which included owning the Big 12 class’ highest-run stop percentage in 2018, per Pro Football Focus.

Could that spell trouble for Jonathan Taylor and the Colts’ running game? Probably not, as the Texans ranked dead-last in rushing yards allowed per game last season. Having said that, Indy should be cognizant of Omenihu, because he has the potential to blow up any play.