Texans at Colts: Staff predictions
By Randy Gurzi
Dec 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans punter Shane Lechler (9) punts during the game against the New England Patriots at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Game: Houston Texans (6-7) at Indianapolis Colts (6-7)
Prediction: This game is for almost all the marbles. If the Colts win they will take a firm hold on the division because of a season sweep of Houston and if the Texans win they will be a game up with a 3-1 division record to a 3-2 division record for the Colts. The Colts won in Houston earlier this season behind Matt Hasselbeck, who threw two touchdowns to Andre Johnson.
T.J. Yates will get the nod for Houston, which isn’t the worst thing in the world. Would rather Hoyer be starting, but the situation on the other side is worse. Andrew Luck is still sidelined and Hasselbeck’s status is up in the air. Should Hasselbeck not be able to play, it’ll be Charlie Whitehurst who starts for the Colts. Yikes.
The good news is Yates will be facing a defense that has allowed 96 points in the last two weeks. Granted the Steelers and Jaguars have high powered passing attacks, but this will definitely be a week to start DeAndre Hopkins in fantasy, because he is going to go for over 200 yards in this one.
The Colts offensive line has struggled all year and it should allow for J.J. Watt, Jadeveon Clowney and Whitney Mercilus to wreak havoc behind the line. The way you beat the Texans is with the run, and I don’t think Frank Gore is going to be able to carry the load. He’s one of many old bodies that are holding their sinking ship together. I think this late in the season age is catching up to them. For the first time in franchise history, the Texans beat the Colts at their place.
Final score: Houston Texans 24, Indianapolis Colts, 17
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