The Indianapolis Colts are underdogs on “Thursday Night Football” against the Houston Texans. It's going to be a tough battle, but Vegas has this one wrong. The Colts are the better team, and they are going to win this game. Let's breakdown four reasons the Colts will pick up their seventh win on Thursday night.
Trends
If you are one who believes in trends, the Colts have a huge advantage in this game. NRG Stadium is the home of the Texans, but the Colts have made themselves very comfortable there. The Colts won two games at NRG Stadium last year, including in the playoffs. Overall the Colts have won six of their last seven games played between the two teams in Houston.
Going on the road can be a daunting task, but there are going to be no confidence issues for the Colts. If the Colts jump out to a fast start, don't be surprised if the struggles start to creep in the back of the Texans' head.
Colts D-Line/Texans O-Line
The Texans offensive line has problems keeping Deshaun Watson upright. That is a big issue going against the Colts defensive line. On the season, the Colts have racked up 25 sacks. They should be able to get after Watson in this game.
In the last four games against the Texans, the Colts have racked up 18 sacks and 33 hits on Watson. Defensive end Justin Houston has seven sacks in the previous six games, and the Texans don't have anyone that is going to keep him out of the backfield.
It's going to be another long night for Watson, who may need an extra-long ice bath.
Colts' rush defense
The Colts defense isn't just good at getting to the passer; they are also stout against the run. When the Texans have had success this year, it's been because of a balanced attack through the air and on the ground.
In this game, the Texans are going to have some real issues getting the run game going. On the season, the Colts are giving up only 96.8 points per game, good for ninth in the NFL.
If you have Carlos Hyde on your fantasy team, it might be a good week to give him a little rest because yards are going to be hard to come by.
Jacoby Brissett/T.Y. Hilton
Signs are pointing towards T.Y. Hilton playing in this game, and that is a big boost for the Colts offense. In 2019, Hilton has caught 32 passes for 360 yards and five touchdowns.
It's pretty clear that Hilton is Jacoby Brissett's favorite target and they should be a dynamic duo in this game. The first time the Colts played the Texans this year, Hilton caught 11 passes for 74 yards and a touchdown.
In this game, it would be shocking to see him catch 10 passes for another 100 yards and a touchdown or two. They are going to lead the Colts to victory and gain complete control of the AFC South.
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