The Houston Texans have six games left in the 2021 regular season and in Week 13 their opponent is a recent foe and team they know very well … the Indianapolis Colts. Earlier this season the Colts defeated the Texans 31-3 in Indy, so there is a reason why many believe the Colts will be the winners of this game.
This Sunday when the Texans host the Colts, the home team enters the game with a 2-9 overall record and even more so than that, they always seem to have their struggles when facing Indianapolis, with the Colts leading the all-time series at 31-9.
Houston last defeated the Colts on Nov. 21, 2019 by a 20-17 score. Since that game the Texans have lost three straight games to their AFC South rival.
One difference for Houston in Week 13 is this time when facing Indianapolis they will have quarterback Tyrod Taylor under center, because when the two teams first met Taylor was injured, and the Texans had rookie Davis Mills as the starting quarterback. Though Mills didn’t have a win as the starter he battled hard at times, which wasn’t an easy task with an offense that has no rushing game to speak of.
As for that first meeting earlier this season, Houston was held without a touchdown, and they were held scoreless in the second half, which is a big part why Houston is a terrible second half team this season.
Texans: Remaining schedule isn’t easy for Houston
Following the game with the Colts this upcoming Sunday, the remaining schedule for the Texans includes games: vs. Seattle Seahawks, at Jacksonville Jaguars, vs. Los Angeles Rams, at San Francisco 49ers, and vs. Tennessee Titans.
Two of those final opponents Houston holds wins against this season, but the Texans have a Week 1 win over the Jaguars and a Week 11 win on the road against the Titans, so there is still some hope for success. The second win of the season against Tennessee was an upset win, so when the two face in the season finale there will most likely be playoff implications for the Titans, and they won’t be a happy team to face in the final game of the ’21 season either.
Getting through the Week 12 Colts game will be hard enough, but four of the final six teams to face the Texans are battling for the playoffs with the Colts, Rams, 49ers and Titans still in the mix at various levels for their respective franchises.
Houston, if going by wins and losses this season, should be able to play strong against the Seahawks (even with Russell Wilson back) and the Jaguars. Who knows maybe Houston can be spoilers against the Titans and sweep the season series?
Whatever happens from here on out, what we do know is the Texans have six opponents left, and it will fun to see what kind of Texans team shows up for the rest of the season as they are hopefully preparing for next season already.