The Indianapolis Colts (0-0) are set to visit the Houston Texans (0-0) at NRG Stadium as the 2022 NFL season officially gets underway.
As the Colts search for their first opening day win since 2013, they will have to make sure they win the big matchups. They might be the biggest favorites of the week in terms of the spread, but they still have to execute on the field.
Here are the biggest matchups to watch in the Week 1 bout between the Colts and Texans:
Stephon Gilmore vs Brandin Cooks
Because of the Colts’ defensive scheme under Gus Bradley, Gilmore won’t be tasked with shadowing Cooks all over the field. However, when the two are matched up, it should prove to be a fiery battle. Gilmore is still one of the best press corners in the league while Cooks is criminally underrated every season. Containing Cooks is a massive key to victory for the Colts defense, and it starts with Gilmore on the boundary.
Kwity Paye vs Tytus Howard
One of the big developments will be watching Kwity Paye’s growth as a pass rusher in Year 2. Howard played mostly left guard and some left tackle during the 2021 season but now shifts over to right tackle. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed 23 total pressures and two sacks in 2021. Paye will be working at the Big End spot on the defensive line and has shown flashes of breaking out in his second campaign.
Michael Pittman Jr. vs Derek Stingley
Pittman Jr. is looking to continue his ascension up the wide receiver rankings while Stingley is the prized pupil of the 2022 draft class for the Texans. It isn’t totally clear how Lovie Smith will deploy Stingley in his first official NFL game, but we should expect a solid battle between these two on the boundary.
Colts front seven vs Dameon Pierce
One of the breakout stars from Texans training camp and the preseason is the rookie in Pierce. The fourth-round pick out of Florida won the starting role in the backfield and is likely to handle a heavy workload on early downs. Forcing Pierce and the Texans offense to become one dimensional will be crucial, and it’s up to the front seven to keep Houston from relying on their run game.
