The Matchup:Texans (4-2) at Colts (3-2)
Day/Time/Where: Sunday, 12 p.m Lucas Oil Stadium
TV: KHOU, Ch. 11
What’s At Stake: This is a matchup of the top two teams in the AFC South and the first-place Texans have a chance to put some distance between them and Indianapolis with a win. The Texans are coming off an impressive road win over the Chiefs and have now two straight and four of their last five as they look like contenders to challenge New England for the AFC throne. The Colts, coming off a bye week, can continue their surprising run with a win over Houston which would catapult them into first place. Indianapolis stunned the Chiefs two weeks ago and have won three of its last four games.
What To Watch For: After a shaky start, the Texans offensive line seems to be rounding into shape. But the offensive line took a hit Sunday when rookie right tackle Tytus Howard went down with a partially torn ACL. The offensive line had been playing with continuity in the last two weeks, not allowing quarterback Deshaun Watson to be sacked once after allowing 18 sacks in the first four games. The Texans will need to find a way to slow third-year Colts back Marlon Mack, who is having a breakout season The workhorse back is averaging 20.2 carries and 94.0 yards per game while averaging 4.7 yards a carry.
The Bottom Line: Both the Colts and Texans are playing well right now, but the Texans are perhaps playing as well as any team in the AFC right now. Look for Houston and its balanced offensive attack to win a tough battle for the victory.