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Colts vs. Texans: Top 5 Matchups To Watch

Colts vs. Texans: Top 5 Matchups To Watch

Colts vs. Texans
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The high-flying Indianapolis Colts will look to take the lead in the AFC South when they take on the Houston Texans on Thursday night. Indianapolis is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, which means Houston must be ready to bring it. The good news for the Texans is that they have shown sparks of promise. Of course, it will come down to specific matchups if they want to take control of the division in Week 6.

5. Colts’ Pass Rush vs. Texans’ Offensive Line

Colts’ Pass Rush vs. Texans’ Offensive Line
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5. Colts’ Pass Rush vs. Texans’ Offensive Line

Colts’ Pass Rush vs. Texans’ Offensive Line
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The Colts have recorded 12 sacks this season, including four in Week 5, which is tied for fifth in the NFL. Meanwhile, the Texans have surrendered nine sacks in five games. Houston’s passing game has already seen enough problems as it is. However, if the offensive line fails to give Ryan Fitzpatrick enough time to survey the field, they stand no chance of winning against a Colts team that is putting up a whopping 31.2 points per game.

4. DeAndre Hopkins vs. Vontae Davis

DeAndre Hopkins vs. Vontae Davis
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4. DeAndre Hopkins vs. Vontae Davis

DeAndre Hopkins vs. Vontae Davis
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DeAndre Hopkins has emerged as the No. 1 receiver for the Texans this season. In fact, he’s the only receiver with more than one touchdown catch in 2014, which is more evidence of how dire of a situation Houston’s offense truly is in. Indianapolis cornerback Vontae Davis is off to a stellar season and one can bet he will be all over Hopkins on Thursday night. Davis has two interceptions and seven defended passes.

3. Arian Foster vs. Colts’ Rush Defense

Arian Foster vs. Colts’ Rush Defense
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3. Arian Foster vs. Colts’ Rush Defense

Arian Foster vs. Colts’ Rush Defense
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Despite missing one game and being limited in another, Arian Foster has the third-most rushing yards (404) this season. Even though Indianapolis has limited opposing running backs to just 101.8 yards per game, they have yet to face a power back like Foster. In fact, it is Foster who could determine the pace of the game, which just might give Houston the edge they need to emerge victorious.

2. J.J. Watt vs. Gosder Cherilus

J.J. Watt vs. Gosder Cherilus
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2. J.J. Watt vs. Gosder Cherilus

J.J. Watt vs. Gosder Cherilus
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The Colts’ offensive line was a mess in 2013. Even though it has certainly improved this season, they have still found themselves a bit lost at times. J.J. Watt is the most talented pass rusher in the game. Despite having just two sacks this season, he has the ability to go off at any moment. That doesn’t bode well for right-tackle Gosder Cherilus, who has been beat badly at times in the past few weeks.

1. Andrew Luck vs. Texans’ Pass Defense

Andrew Luck vs. Texans’ Pass Defense
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1. Andrew Luck vs. Texans’ Pass Defense

Andrew Luck vs. Texans’ Pass Defense
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Andrew Luck has proven himself to be the best quarterback in 2014. He leads the NFL in touchdowns (14), passing yards (1,617) and he commands the No. 1 ranked offense. His production is sure to improve in Week 6 when he takes on a Texans’ pass defense that has allowed 253.2 passing yards per game. With that said the Texans have kept opponents out of the end zone at a decent rate and have five interceptions on the season.

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