Texans vs. Colts: Keys to victory

Dec 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) celebrates with defensive end J.J. Watt (99) after sacking New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (not pictured) during the game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Get into the backfield

The Colts are a bad running team to go along with their poor defense. They average only 89.3 yards per game, which is 28th in the league. That means to win, this team needs to pass.

Whoever lines up under center, whether it be Hasselbeck or Charlie Whitehurst, the Texans need to spend as much time with them as possible.

Lately, that has been the norm for the pass rushers. Defensive end J.J. Watt has 13.5 sacks on the season, and outside linebackers Whitney Mercilus and Jadeveon Clowney both have started to break out. Mercilus had one game against the Titans where he brought down the quarterback 3.5 times and now has 7.5 on the year.

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Clowney has finally emerged, and recorded his first multi-sack game of his career against the Patriots. After those two, he now has 4.5 sacks on the year.

Watt will make his presence known, despite playing with a broken hand. Mercilus and Clowney need to be on their game as well to make sure that the Colts passing game never gets into a rhythm.

If Houston can keep the Colts passer off balance, control the clock with their run game and take the occasional deep shot, they should be able to walk away with their first ever win in Indianapolis.