Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans: Week 5 Prediction

Oct 9, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (23) runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Two bitter division rivals hoping to fire the first decisive shot in their question claim supremacy. The Indianapolis Colts are trying to survive a string a tough injuries while the Houston Texans limp home from a serious beating in Atlanta. Who gets the win?

Injuries

Andrew Luck and Vontae Davis both questionable

Given how much the Colts struggled to beat Jacksonville at home, it will be even more difficult to beat Houston on the road without their two best players. Unfortunately, Andrew Luck and Vontae Davis are both considered questionable for the game. Luck is a cautious consideration with the dinged shoulder while Davis tries to get past a foot ailment.

Nate Washington knocked out by hamstring

The passing game for the Texans has not gotten off the start they hoped for this season. One of the few bright spots has been receiver Nate Washington, who continues to provide steady reliability in the midst of quarterback struggles. Now even he won’t be able to help. The veteran is nursing a bad hamstring and won’t make the trip.

Key Matchups

Arian Foster vs. D’Qwell Jackson

It was far from the triumphant return he’d hoped for but Arian Foster can’t afford to worry about that. Historically, the Pro Bowl running back has had success every time he plays the Colts. He’ll be looking to continue that trend. D’Qwell Jackson, one of the leading tacklers in the NFL, must lead the way in trying to keep him contained.

T.Y. Hilton vs. Kareem Jackson

The Colts would be fools to not try finding ways to get their best receiver in T.Y. Hilton matched up on Kareem Jackson. The Texans corner has had a miserable start to the season, allowing 22 catches for 257 yards and two touchdowns according to Pro Football Focus. That is far worse than any of his teammates. If he’s inclined to give up big plays, Hilton will take them.

Fantasy

Sit: Colts quarterbacks

Whether it’s Andrew Luck or Matt Hasselbeck, be sure to put them on the bench. The Colts offensive line is still a hot mess and now they’ve got to contend with J.J. Watt. If Houston can stop the run, which they should be able to do unlike last week, then it will be open season on the quarterback in Houston.

Start: Arian Foster

Indianapolis still struggles at stopping the run, especially against team that know how. The Texans will most definitely look to regain their identity on that front, and it will be a healthy Arian Foster leading the way. He’ll be at home this time with no fear of crowd noise or re-injuring himself.

Prediction: Texans win 24-16

In Andrew Luck can’t go, then don’t expect the Colts to pull out another one like last week. This time they’ll be on the road against a better divisional opponent eager to get the bad taste of the beating in Atlanta out of their mouths. The Texans will take control early and lean on the defense late.

Next: 2016 NFL Mock Draft: The Quarterbacks Went WHERE?

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