The Indianapolis Colts are without question one of the most intriguing teams to keep an eye on heading into Week 12 against the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football. After coming through with a big win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Colts are actually in first place in the AFC South division race.

Houston is still the favorite to win the division for many fans and media members, especially due to the presence of star quarterback Deshaun Watson. Jacoby Brissett will have something to say about that. Indianapolis may not be as good as they were last season with Andrew Luck, but they have a ton of talent and they are starting to get a bit healthier.

If the Colts are going to come through with a big-time win, they are going to need a few players to step up. There are a couple of players who must have an even bigger role in order to pull out a victory.

Let's dive in and take a look at two major X-Factors for the Colts on Thursday night against the Texans.

Jonathan Williams, Running Back

While beating the Jaguars was huge for the Colts, they did not get out of the game without a loss. Marlon Mack has been a stud all season long in the backfield, but he went down with a fractured hand and had surgery on Monday morning. Unfortunately, he will miss this week's game and could miss much more time.

With Mack out, the Colts are likely going to turn to Jonathan Williams as their starter. Williams came out of the game against Jacksonville with 13 carries for 116 yards and a catch for 31 yards. The Colts need to have a consistent ground attack and Williams will be the leader of that effort.

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GM Chris Ballard in the middle, Jared Verse, Troy Franklin, Jaden Hicks around him, and Indianapolis Colts wallpaper in the background

Enzo Flojo ·

Former Indianapolis Colts star Dwight Freeney and Tom Brady in front of Lucas Oil Stadium.

Zachary Weinberger ·

GM Nick Caserio in the middle, Kamari Lassiter, Javon Bullard, Michael Hall Jr around him, and Houston Texans wallpaper in the background

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Justin Houston, Outside Linebacker

Secondly, the Colts are going to need their defense to step up against one of the best young quarterbacks in the league. Watson is going to kill the Colts if he has a ton of time to work with. The pass rush has to come through with some big plays and Justin Houston is the man to turn to this week.

Houston has recorded eight sacks so far this season and has been a huge addition for the Colts. If he can put pressure on Watson and come through with a sack or two, the Indianapolis defense will have opportunities to make some plays. He is definitely an X-Factor for the Colts this week.