Texans vs. Colts: Keys to victory

Oct 8, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) makes a catch against Indianapolis Colts safety Mike Adams (29) in the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Hopkins was ruled out of the end zone on the play. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Get their deep threats involved

This is another area Houston took advantage of with Yates at the helm, and they need to do it again on Sunday. They need to simply take some chances, throw the ball deep and hope their playmakers can come up big.

Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins burnt the Jets for a 61-yard touchdown and Shorts pulled in a 35-yard pass as well. In a battle of backup passers, sometimes one big play could be the difference, and Houston has the guys to make those big plays.

Hopkins has 89 receptions for 1,221 yards and 10 touchdowns. He is getting deep with an average of nearly 14 yards per catch. Their other receivers, Shorts and Nate Washington are making plays too.

Shorts has 484 yards through the air and although his average is just about 11 yards per catch, he too can get deep in a hurry. Washington is averaging just under 15 yards per reception and has 592 yards total this season.

Again, this is a strength against a weakness for Houston. The Colts are actually worse against the pass than the run. They allow 276.2 yards per game through the air, only three NFL teams are worse this season.

Yates needs to understand this and let it fly whenever there is an opportunity.

Next: Make the quarterback uncomfortable