Texans at Colts–Staff Predictions
By Josh McSwain
Bob Dove, Contributor
The Texans are 6 1/2 point underdogs and the Over/Under is 46 1/2.
How far the Texans have fallen. From a 6-3 record and a commanding lead in the AFC South they are now 6-6 and in a 3-way tie. Their defense, the only thing that carried the Texans, is now decimated by injury. The Texans’ offense that was expected to struggle early in the season, but jell by now, is still struggling. The Texans are a very average team.
On the other hand the Colts began the season as something less than average, but have steadily improved. They should have beaten the Texans at NRG, and now have the opportunity of doing so at Indy, a place where the Texans have won only once.
The Texans are more healthy than last week, but certainly not “healthy”. Jadeveon Clowney is expected be back in the lineup. Andre Hal is recovered from his sickness. John Simon is working hard, but probably won’t be ready. Johnathon Joseph is almost certainly out. A. J. Bouye is a solid replacement for Joseph, but there is no proven performer to assume Bouye’s #3 corner role when he moves to #1.
Andrew Luck should have a field day against the Texans’ weak pass rush and depleted secondary. Plus, for the first time in a coon’s age a Colts runner (Frank Gore) topped 100 yards rushing in this year’s first match-up at NRG. Expect the Colts to enjoy a good day both running and passing.
The Colts defense is improved, although the suspension of D’Qwell Jackson will hurt. At least it would hurt against any reasonably competent NFL offense. Because the words “competent” and “Texans” never appear together in a discussion about offenses, Jackson’s absence only serves to make the over/under pick a little tougher.