Texans at Colts–Staff Predictions
By Josh McSwain
Here are the predictions from our staff for this Sunday’s game:
Josh McSwain, Expert
The Texans won the first meeting this season with a stunning fourth quarter comeback that erased a 23-9 deficit and won 26-23 in overtime. For one of the few times this season, it looked like we had a season to believe in Brock Osweiler. Against a pass defense ranked near the bottom of the league, it will fall on him to make plays once again.
However, the depth at receiver is thin because both Jaelen Strong and Braxton Miller won’t play. DeAndre Hopkins is still capable of having a big day, as could Will Fuller. But I would imagine the tight ends will get involved early as well–C.J. Fiedorowicz had six catches for 85 yards and a touchdown in the first meeting. This will be a prime opportunity to bolster their road offense, which is currently last in the league in points at 13.2 and 29th in yards at 283.8.
Lamar Miller had a big game with 149 yards on 24 carries. However, Frank Gore also had a big game on the other side with 106 yards. While the run defense of the Texans has made some improvements in recent weeks, the injuries on defense continue to mount. Can they still manage to slow down Andrew Luck and the explosive Colts passing attack as well as contain Gore? I don’t think so.