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Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans: 5 Bold predictions for Week 12

By Cody Williams

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 20: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans throws a pass during the game against the Indianapolis Colts during the third quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 20, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 20: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans throws a pass during the game against the Indianapolis Colts during the third quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 20, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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The Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans will jockey for AFC South control on Thursday Night Football. Bold predictions for the Week 12 matchup.

For several years, Thursday Night Football has been a punchline. That has changed a bit in the 2019 season, though, and the Week 12 showdown as the Indianapolis Colts visit the Houston Texans is a prime example of that. A rematch from Week 7 between these AFC South foes has tremendous playoff implications for Deshaun Watson and Jacoby Brissett‘s teams.

Because the Colts won the first meeting of the season, they currently sit atop the division despite both teams sporting 6-4 records coming into Week 12. A win for either team would be crucial, however, in determining the potential AFC South champion. Perhaps more importantly though, the loser could be in real danger of missing the playoffs entirely.

The AFC Wild Card race is loaded and, if the Colts or Texans drop to 6-5 on the season, that might really put them behind the 8-ball in that regard. Thus, the Thursday Night Football matchup is crucial for the overall success of both teams’ seasons.

What will that mean and how will things shake out at NRG Stadium? These are five bold predictions for the Colts and Texans on Thursday Night Football.

5. Hyde held below 50 yards rushing

Against all odds (or at least expectations), Carlos Hyde has been quite solid for the Texans this season. On 158 attempts, he’s rushed for 769 yards and four touchdowns. Moreover, he’s been hot as of late, rushing for 7.2, 8.4, 4.4 and 4.5 yards per carry in four of his last five games.

However, the one game in that five-game run where Hyde was shut down was in Week 7 against the Colts. In that matchup, Hyde had 12 carries for 35 yard and no scores. In fact, he had a 10-yard run in that game, meaning his other 11 carries went for a measly 25 yards. Darius Leonard and the Colts defense simply play the run well.

As good as Hyde has been, he’s not the type of player that’s capable of running through Indianapolis’ defense. The Colts will ramp up the pressure on the Houston passing attack by making the Texans running back a non-factor on Thursday.

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