Week 1 Prediction 2022: Will Texans gain upset win over Colts?

The Houston Texans kick off their season this Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. Can they gain the Week 1 win?

Taking a look back at last season versus the Indianapolis Colts, the Houston Texans did not play well at all, scoring three points… in the two games combined. It is safe to say the Texans have their hands full while trying to set the tone for the season.

The Colts have made some roster moves this offseason. They brought in veterans like quarterback Matt Ryan, cornerback Stephon Gilmore and defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, to name a few players added to their already solid roster. All are great additions to an already great football team, making them absolute favorites to win the division.

While Indy has made moves, Houston has as well. Head coach Lovie Smith makes his debut with the Texans, hoping to turn around a football program that was seemingly disastrous last year, as he was close to the situation being the defensive coordinator.

Stopping All-Pro running back Jonathon Taylor is going to be the key to success for the Houston Texans. They ranked 31st in rushing yards allowed in 2021. Rookie safety Jalen Pitre will hope to help turn that around, as he was able to get to the ball all preseason.

Texans vs Colts: Indianapolis has excellent players on offense

Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr. will be looking to build chemistry early on with his new quarterback. Rookie Derrick Stingley will have a tough matchup to start his career. If Stingley is able to do his job and keep Pittman quiet, the Texans secondary will be able to do the rest. The Colts are relatively thin at the receiver position, that matchup is something to watch for.

Year two Davis Mills has a lot to prove, and the weight of the world is on his shoulders. While the Colts defense will be a tough matchup for Houston, he has all the confidence to get it done. Rookie Dameon Pierce was locked in as RB1, and if he will continue to impress, he will open up huge opportunities for Mills and this Texans offense.

This will prove to be an exciting game, a tone setter for the 2022 season against a tough team. The Colts have a history of losing season openers, but I won’t let superstition persuade me on this one.

The Texans have all of the tangibles to win this game, but have much to prove. The Colts pull this one off but not by much, winning 27-24.