The Indianapolis Colts are looking for their first win of the 2023 season when they face the Houston Texans. This is the first matchup between the two teams since week 18 of last season. Both teams will enter the matchup with two rookie head coaches.
Keys to Victory: Offense
Colts offense will face a tough Texans defense led by rookie edge rusher Will Anderson and secondary lead by veteran DB Steven Nelson and second year DB Derek Stingley. Jr. Last week, Texans caused a lot of havoc for QB Lamar Jackson forcing him to turn the ball over multiple times. Texans will be without both of their starting safeties Jimmie Ward and Jalen Pitre. Colts offense will have to get the run game going and they will get a boost with the return of veteran RB Zack Moss. Last week, Colts leading rusher was rookie QB Anthony Richardson. If the Colts can get the run game going, it’ll open up the passing game. Head coach Shane Steichen has done a great job of making things easier for his QB, calling a conservative game.
Most of Richardson pass attempts favored the right side of the field and under 20 yards. Look for coach Steichen to open up the playbook and attack down field a lot more with WR’s Michael Pittman Jr, Alec Pierce, and speedster Josh Downs. It will not be easy as they could be without All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson, who is questionable to play.
Keys to Victory: Defense
Colts defense will have to win the line of scrimmage as Texans allowed rookie QB CJ Stroud to get sacked 5 times. Texans entering the game with a banged up offensive line with 3 of their 5 starting linemen were placed on IR. All-Pro LT Laremy Tunsil could be a game-time decision as he’s nursing a knee injury. Later in the week, Stroud was added to the injury list with a sore right shoulder. It will be interesting if he plays or will they start QB Davis Mills.
Regardless, who they start at QB or on the offensive line, the Texans would like to get star RB Damien Pierce more involved in the running game. He was limited to only 11 attempts vs Ravens. Colts defense will have to set the tone early by stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback. Getting after the QB and forcing turnovers will be key to the victory. Texans offensive line will have their hands full with Colts DT Deforest Buckner, who forced a fumble that he later returned for a score. LB Zaire Franklin, who had 18 tackles last week will be looking to pick up where he left off.
My prediction: Colts win 20-13
