Years ago, the Indianapolis Colts had a premier rivalry with the New England Patriots. That rivalry is pretty much nonexistent nowadays. But what about the Colts vs. the Houston Texans?
The two AFC South teams have faced each other 45 times, including once in the postseason. Indianapolis leads the series 33-11-1. The rivalry has never really been a big deal. Yet, it could certainly become “must-see” TV this season.
The Colts and Texans will square off in Week 1 in Indianapolis. They, of course, faced each other in last year’s regular-season finale. Houston won the contest 23-19 and secured a playoff spot. Meanwhile, the Colts were sent home, missing out on the playoffs for the third consecutive season.
Will Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans Become the NFL’s Next Intense Rivalry?
Two Young and Exciting QBs
You can’t talk about Colts vs. Texans without mentioning two names: Anthony Richardson and C.J. Stroud. Both quarterbacks were selected in the 2023 NFL draft. Houston drafted Stroud second overall while Indy took Richardson two picks later.
They had totally different rookie seasons. Stroud was phenomenal, passing for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns. The former Ohio State Buckeye took home Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Unfortunately, Richardson’s season was cut short due to injury. He suffered a Grade 3 AC joint sprain in his right shoulder and only played four games all year. Although he didn’t see the field much, Richardson showed flashes of becoming an elite NFL dual-threat QB. Thankfully for the Colts, he is now healthy and ready to go.
Stroud is expected to be even better in 2024. And if Richardson can stay healthy, he might emerge as a Comeback Player of the Year candidate this year. No, it will never be Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady, but it could turn out to be a fun QB matchup for years to come.
The Ingredients Are There
Stroud and Richardson, of course, aren’t the only big-name players in the Colts-Texans rivalry. Indianapolis also has guys like Jonathan Taylor, DeForest Buckner, and Michael Pittman Jr. Houston possesses the likes of Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, and last year’s Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr.
Both teams had interesting offseasons. The Colts went the “run-it-back” route by re-signing many players. Backups Gardner Minshew and Zack Moss were among the few key players who weren’t retained. The Texans, on the other hand, acquired big-time talent from other teams. They traded for Diggs and Joe Mixon and signed Danielle Hunter as a free agent.
The Texans and Colts are both led by intelligent head coaches. Last season, Houston’s DeMeco Ryans finished second in voting for NFL Coach of the Year. Indy’s Shane Steichen was also impressive, nearly guiding his team to the playoffs without Richardson.
There are several incredible rivalries in the NFL right now. A couple of examples include the Dallas Cowboys vs. the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs vs. the Buffalo Bills. And don’t forget about the NFC North’s Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears. If major injuries don’t get in the way, the Colts-Texans matchup could very well be next in line.
Main Photo Credit: Syndication: The Indianapolis Star
