The Indianapolis Colts should be thrilled that they have the chance to take the lead in the AFC South this weekend. Every game they have played in this year came down to the final five minutes to determine a winner. However, the Houston Texans have gone through a rough stretch, losing two of their last three games. There is an added level of concern since they started the season 2-0.
The AFC South altogether has not been very good this season. The Texans are the only team with a winning record. They have also been dominated by the New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings. The rest of the teams in the division, the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans, have three wins combined. Now let’s take a look at how the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans battle for first place in the AFC South on Sunday Night Football.
Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans Battle For First Place in AFC South
Indianapolis Colts Outlook
It’s hard to think the Colts are still in good position to take first place in the division. Their two wins have come against struggling teams, the San Diego Chargers and Chicago Bears. The offensive line and secondary have also struggled mightily. Furthermore, injuries are still a major problem this season. Yet, if you are looking for bright spots, wide receiver T.Y. Hilton stepped up huge last week with over 170 yards receiving and one touchdown. Quarterback Andrew Luck has looked very good and cornerback Vontae Davis has looked better since returning from an ankle injury. Running back Frank Gore has been very reliable this year, as the Colts running game had a good show-out against the Bears last weekend.
It’ll be important to watch both starting cornerbacks Davis and Patrick Robinson, as they will be playing against Will Fuller and DeAndre Hopkins. The Texans have had to rely upon a good receiving corps to keep the offense moving. The Colts allowed more than 350 passing yards to Brian Hoyer last weekend, so they’ll have to improve before facing Brock Osweiler this weekend.
Houston Texans Outlook
After week two of the season, the Texans looked like one of the premier teams in the NFL. However, they have been somewhat exposed in the past three weeks, losing two of their last three games. However, it’s hard to fault them for the teams they have lost to (Patriots and Vikings). Those two teams have one loss combined.
The Texans are hoping for a better effort out of Osweiler. He has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns this season (six touchdowns and seven interceptions). Running back Lamar Miller also has more turnovers than touchdowns this year (one fumble and no touchdowns). Their run game has not been good this year. Between averaging only 3.8 yards per carry and not having any rushing touchdowns on the season, the Colts have an opportunity to take advantage of this weakness on the Texans offense.
Fuller and Hopkins should present the biggest problems for the Colts defense. Fuller has 327 yards and two touchdowns receiving this year. Hopkins has 283 yards and three touchdowns. Furthermore, with J.J. Watt out for the season, the Texans defense is not as strong as they were at the beginning of the season.
The Texans secondary is going to need to come up big this weekend. Facing Luck, Hilton, and Phillip Dorsett is no joke. The Colts have some receivers that are real deep threats. Even without Watt, the Texans front seven should be able to contain the Colts running game. Texans fans are hoping Miller and Alfred Blue can find a little bit more running room against the weaker Colts defense. The Texans are currently three point favorites and can finally gain a somewhat comfortable lead in the AFC South.
