Two AFC South teams will go head-to-head this coming Sunday as the Houston Texans host the Indianapolis Colts in a critical Week 13 clash. Both teams are looking to bounce back this weekend after suffering painful defeats in Week 12. Who will prevail in this Colts vs Texans game? Here's a breakdown of this divisional matchup.
Indianapolis Colts enter Week 13 as -10 favorites
The Indianapolis Colts had their three-game winning streak snapped in Week 12 with a gut-wrenching 38-31 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Colts had no answer for Bucs running back Leonard Fournette, who accounted for four total touchdowns, including the game-winning score with 20 seconds left.
It is back to the drawing board for the Colts, who dropped out of the playoff picture because of the defeat. The Colts failed to take advantage of the Tennessee Titans loss to the New England Patriots as they remained two games behind their division rivals in the AFC South standings ahead of Week 13.
For Indianapolis to get its season back on track against Houston, it needs to get a quality performance from Jonathan Taylor. He was stifled by the Bucs in Week 12, finishing with just 83 yards rushing and a touchdown.
Taylor has established himself as one of the league's best players this season, racking up phenomenal numbers on the ground. He leads the league in rushing yards (1,204) and rushing touchdowns (14). Taylor is the NFL's only 1,000-yard rusher this season as Derrick Henry got injured for the Titans before reaching that mark.
Taylor has six 100-yard rushing games for the Colts this season, and he will fancy his chances of adding another one this Sunday against the Texans. Houston is second-worst in the NFL in rushing defense, allowing 135.6 yards per game this season. The Texans had difficulty stopping Taylor in their first meeting in 2021, with the Colts star running for 145 yards and a couple of scores.
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Houston Texans installed as +10 underdogs
The Houston Texans came crashing back to earth in Week 12, losing 21-14 to the New York Jets. It was a disappointing defeat for the Texans, who have now lost nine of their first 11 games this season. They trail the Titans by 5.5 games in the AFC South standings.
The Texans will look to return to the win column in Week 13 when they host the Indianapolis Colts. For the Texans to record the upset victory against the Colts, they will need to get a solid performance from Tyrod Taylor. He completed 17 of 26 passes for 158 yards with two touchdowns and one interception in the loss to the Jets.
In their AFC encounter, Taylor's two touchdown passes in the second quarter gave Houston a 14-3 advantage over New York. The Texans failed to hold on to that lead, though, with the Jets scoring the game's final 18 points. The Texans' offense floundered in the second half as they were held scoreless by the Jets during that period.
This season, the Texans have struggled at home, winning just one of their five games at NRG Stadium. That will be music to the ears of the Colts, who are 3-2 in their away games this campaign.
Writer's Prediction
Indianapolis wins, but Houston covers the spread.
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