NFL Predictions: Week 6 Picks and Hot Takes From Around the NFL

Oct 9, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) waves to the crowd after the game against the San Diego Chargers at Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) waves to the crowd after the game against the San Diego Chargers at Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Texans 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Texans 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans, 8:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, NBC

It’s not, but this feels like a must-win for both of these AFC South teams. For Houston particularly, you’d have to imagine it’d be crushing to lose their third game in four weeks as they approach a massive road test next Monday night against Denver. They shouldn’t be labeled desperate here, but there certainly has to be a sense of urgency in the meeting rooms this week.

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For the Colts, it’s simply a battle to stay relevant in the AFC playoff race. If they win here, oddly enough, they’ll take over first place in the division with a long season to get back on their feet. However, a loss sends them two games behind Houston with a double defeat in ‘L’s” in both the conference and division.

Andrew Luck, despite shaky play from his offensive line, has performed quietly well as a whole this season. He’s labeled a disappointment in the national picture, but taking the brunt of the blame for the Colts’ downfalls is incredibly unfair. If Luck continues to spread the ball around and make it work on offense, Indy shouldn’t have an issue.

What might give the Texans the edge in this one is simply their matches against the Colts defense, which still hasn’t found the secret to success. The Houston offense has been far from perfect, but there’s no better time to get into a groove than in a crucial home primetime clash. If Will Fuller is healthy, his partnership with DeAndre Hopkins is too impressive to ignore.

Texans win at home on SNF, beat Colts, 24-20.