The Indianapolis Colts will wrap up the regular season by taking on the Houston Texans. Colts vs. Texans has been an AFC South rivalry for roughly 20 years now. What do the Colts need to do to beat their heated rival in Week 18?
Indianapolis is coming off a 23-20 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Meanwhile, the Texans cruised past the Tennessee Titans 26-3 in Week 17.
This is a huge game for both the Colts and Texans, who have identical records (9-7). Whoever wins will clinch a playoff spot and the loser will be eliminated.
If the fellow 9-7 AFC South Jacksonville Jaguars lose to Tennessee, the winner of the Colts and Texans contest will win the division. Here are three keys to an Indianapolis victory.
Colts vs Texans: How Indy Can Defeat Its Division Rival
Contain C.J. Stroud
It would’ve been fun to see a C.J. Stroud-Anthony Richardson duel in the regular-season finale. Both quarterbacks were top-five picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. Stroud was drafted by the Texans with the second overall pick while Richardson went fourth overall to the Colts.
Stroud has immediately become a star and is the overwhelming favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. Richardson, on the other hand, went down with a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 5.
Despite missing two games with a concussion, Stroud has thrown for close to 4,000 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. To win, the Colts must prevent him from carving up their defense like he has against other teams this season.
Gardner Minshew Being Gardner Minshew
Where would the Colts be without Gardner Minshew? Heading into the season, that would be a silly question to ask. He was supposed to be nothing more than a backup quarterback but wound up taking over for the injured Richardson. The veteran has overachieved a great deal as the Colts are 7-5 with him as the starter.
While he may not be an elite signal-caller who’s capable of leading a team to a Super Bowl victory, Minshew has been one of the main reasons for Indianapolis’ surprising campaign. Throughout the season, he has continuously found a way to help the team win. He provides leadership and has found a steady rhythm as a passer in coach Shane Steichen’s offense.
Minshew is surrounded by a few offensive weapons. He has the running back duo of Jonathan Taylor and Zack Moss, who is listed as questionable for the Texans game. There’s also a go-to receiver in Michael Pittman Jr., who has hauled in 104 catches for 1,108 yards and four touchdowns. Minshew needs to get the ball in the hands of Indy’s playmakers.
Minshew has helped save the season for the Colts thus far. And he can help keep the season alive if he plays well against Houston.
Another Strong Performance From Jonathan Taylor
Taylor has been in and out of the Colts’ lineup all season long. He missed the first four weeks due to an ankle injury. He later sat out three games after injuring his thumb in late November.
When healthy, Taylor hasn’t been the same superstar that he was two years ago when leading the league in rushing. However, he has shown glimpses of his 2021 form at times.
Taylor played great during the Colts’ New Year’s Eve win over the Raiders. He carried the ball 21 times for 96 yards and a touchdown. Indianapolis will need yet another excellent performance from their talented running back.
Taylor has averaged 124.6 rushing yards in the Colts vs. Texans rivalry. He has never lost to Houston, posting a 4-0-1 record against them. The Texans currently have the league’s fourth-best rushing defense, though, allowing only 88.5 rushing yards per game. Can Taylor continue his dominance and power the Colts to the playoffs?
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