Texans vs Colts: Final Thoughts and Score Prediction
Can the Texans sweep the Colts for the first time since 2016?
The Houston Texans are looking for their second-ever sweep of the Indianapolis Colts. They have done it just once before, in 2016.
DeMeco Ryans wasn’t too concerned with the first matchup.
“You look back at Week 1, but it seems so far away for me, so far removed, especially being the first game of the season. Everybody is trying to figure themselves out that first game and you kind of throw that game out of the window and you see kind of where the trends, where they move in these last four games. Especially the games with [Colts QB] Anthony Richardson and what they’ve been able to do. You see their style of play and who they want to be. Of course, I know first and foremost, they want to run the football.”
With that in mind, here are seven things that aren’t going to repeat from the first game.
Nico Collins and His Ownership of the Colts
The Texans will not have Nico Collins for this game. Collins has been a nightmare for the Colts the past few games totaling 15 catches for over 300 yards and a touchdown. Houston needs a lot from Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell to get this done.
Jonathan Taylor Getting Shutdown
Jonathan Taylor had one of the worst games of his career against the Texans to start the season. He was held to 48 yards on 16 carries. That won’t happen again. Taylor ripped off three incredible performances after that disappointing first game. Then he got hurt. Well, he’s back now. He’s healthy. He’s not getting held in check like that again.
Anthony Richardson Hitting Multiple Huge Plays
The huge bombs to Alec Pierce and the massive catch-and-run to Ashton Dulin will not happen again in this game. The Texans are getting better pressure, Richardson isn’t driving the ball down the field, and I trust the element of surprise is eliminated. Can the Colts move the ball without the big plays? I don’t think so. They might hit one big pass but will need more than one to beat the Texans.
Joe Mixon Over 150
It might be just 149 for Joe Mixon. The Colts are the second-worst team in the NFL at stopping the run. They allow an average of 160 yards per game this season. I believe Mixon will still have a big day but he will keep it under 150. Barely.
A Punt Block
There is no way the Texans will allow another blocked punt. The costly special teams mistake handed the Colts a score and a way back into the game. If they do allow another one, special teams coordinator Frank Ross might spontaneously combust on the sideline.
Stifled Slot Play
Josh Downs was injured in the first game and didn’t play. The slot specialist for the Colts is back for this second matchup. Downs is more dangerous with Joe Flacco playing at quarterback but he is someone you need to account for if you’re the Texans. Slot receivers have had some success against the safeties for the Texans.
Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter Shutout on Sacks
The Colts aren’t shutting both of them out in this one like they did in the first game. One of them, and maybe both, will get home for a sack. The defensive line is humming right now.
Score Prediction
The Texans will win 23-21. Nothing tells me the Texans are capable of blowing out a decent team. The Colts are a decent team. I don’t trust Anthony Richardson to get it done. He makes easy stuff look hard which is never good for a quarterback. Jonathan Taylor and the pass rush of the Colts worry me in this one, and that will lead to a close one where Indianapolis hangs around. They won’t have enough though as the Texans squeak out another one.
what Cody?
Taylor will not do better. I say 17 rushes for 47 yards. n if Mixon gets 149, I will praise you tomorrow.
ALMOST, spot on score prediction 23-20. Do you still have score giveaways to fans for being closest?