Thursday Night Football: Colts At Texans Predictions
By Erik Lambert
Nov 3, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) looks for an open receiver during the second quarter as Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) applies pressure at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
It’s going to get very interesting in Week 6 of Thursday Night Football. What can fans expect when the Colts visit the Texans?
Subplots
AFC South supremacy on the line
This is really the first notable head-to-head tilt on Thursday Night Football that actually has high stakes. The Houston Texans are in the middle of a big resurgence but they know as well as anybody that the division goes through Andrew Luck. The Colts know all they have to do is play good defense and their quarterback should do the rest. Houston must stick to their game plan by running the football and controlling the clock. The division may be at stake.
Key Matchup
J.J. Watt against Anthony Castonzo
Luck has had great success of late because he’s received good protection from his offensive line, most notably left tackle Anthony Castonzo. That protection will be put to the ultimate test as Texans defensive freak J.J. Watt awaits them. The All-Pro defensive end is as great as he’s ever been, practically unblockable. Indianapolis cannot allow him to continuously harass Luck because that is the singular reason the Colts will lose every time. Castonzo will be the key.
Fantasy Players To Watch
Ryan Fitzpatrick – QB
Is he a superstar? No. Still, Ryan Fitzpatrick can help a team win games when he is able to control the action with steady running and high percentage passing. He has a good head on his shoulders and can deliver good balls when he’s not constantly under duress. The worst thing the Texans can let happen is falling too far behind and asking him to bring them back. That is not Fitzpatrick’s game, but if they can stay balanced, he may deliver a strong performance.
Ahmad Bradshaw – RB
He may not be a young buck anymore but somehow Ahmad Bradshaw continues to defy the odds. After enduring a difficult 2013 season, the veteran running back is once again proving himself highly productive for the Colts, averaging a gaudy 5.1 yards per carry. Indy is almost certain to feed him the football once Trent Richardson has taken some of the early hits. That is when the Texans will have to play their best because that is when Bradshaw is at his most dangerous.
Pick: IND 24, HOU 20
When the matchup appears relatively even, the smart credo is to go with the better quarterback and there is no question Andrew Luck trumps Ryan Fitzpatrick. Houston will need a big day from their ground attack otherwise the Colts will keep it close and then pull away late.