All seems to be well again for the Indianapolis Colts after their 33-13 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Whether it was Jacoby Brissett returning to his post this team’s starting quarterback or the historical rushing performance by Marlon Mack and Jonathan Williams, the Colts certainly had a lot of positives in their Week 11 performance.
But things will take a different turn in Week 12 as the Colts play face another divisional rival in the Houston Texans on Thursday night. This game is arguably the most important one for either team, as they’re currently tied for first place in the AFC South and it involves playoff implications for not only right now but at season’s end.
Here are three key matchups to watch in the Colts’ primetime Week 12 bout against the Texans:
RB Carlos Hyde vs. Colts’ defensive front seven
It was just a few days ago when the Colts’ defense had to face another red-hot running back in Leonard Fournette before ultimately slowing him down (eight carries for 23 rushing yards). But this week is a new week and up next for the AFC South competitor now is a tough matchup with Texans running back Carlos Hyde.
As crazy as this might sound, Hyde’s very solid season in Houston is under the radar. After disappointing stints in Cleveland and Jacksonville between 2017-’18, the former San Fransisco 49er is playing his best football ever. By having 769 rushing yards, a yards per carry average of 4.9, and four rushing touchdowns, Hyde is easily the third-most important player on the Texans offense, behind Deshaun Watson and DeAndre Hopkins.
Even with Watson and Hopkins being more than capable of taking over this game, it shouldn’t stop the Colts from trying to contain Hyde. By doing so, this could keep the Texans’ offense in longer down and distances, which is bad for them given their shaky pass protection and Justin Houston’s recent streak of sacks in a game.
DE Justin Houston vs. Texans’ offensive tackles
If the Colts are successful in containing the Texans’ rushing attack, then all eyes will turn to the battle inside the trenches on passing plays, especially when it’s third down and of some considerable distance (six yards and more). I say that because if this happens, then those same eyes will turn to wherever Justin Houston is lining up.
The former All-Pro pass rusher is causing havoc on opposing offensive lines, as he has an ongoing six-game streak with at least one sack. As a matter of fact, Houston’s latest streak was experienced by the Texans when he produced two sacks against them in the Colts’ 30-23 victory in Week 7.
This particular matchup of Houston versus either of the Texans’ offensive tackle is important, because of the latter’s struggles in pass protection. For the season, the Texans have given up 32 sacks and they’re only four or five sacks away from joining the top-five in that category.
WR T.Y. Hilton vs. Texans’ secondary
There is still a good chance that T.Y. Hilton doesn’t play on Thursday night because of his lingering calf injury. He’s currently listed as questionable on the injury report. But with the extensive history between both sides, there is no way I could ignore the most important matchup of Colts vs. Texans.
If Hilton plays in the latest installment between these divisional rivals, you better believe the Texans will do everything possible to stop him down. Since last season alone, the man who’s better known as “Ghost” has produced 24 catches and 473 receiving yards against the Texans and does in various ways. Big plays. Small plays. Outside. In the slot.
If No. 13 steps on the field on Thursday night, the Colts will utilize him in every way possible and the Texans have to be prepared for such a sight.
