Week 13 Colts vs. Texans Recreation dialogue

The Indianapolis Colts are at house to tackle the Houston Texans in week 13 of the 2025 season, kickoff is at 1:00 p.m. EST.

Per week off of a loss to the Chiefs in Kansas Metropolis, our Colts host the Texans within the largest AFC South matchup of the yr to this point. Final week noticed the Colts management the sport for greater than three quarters solely to offer the sport away within the fourth. The protection performed properly however the offense sputtered, a close to polar reverse from earlier within the season. We did discover out that Daniel Jones is taking part in with a fracture in his leg, which sounds terrible and doubtless is kind of painful, however in the end isn’t a threat for additional harm. Not less than not any greater than taking part in within the NFL is normally. That harm might assist to clarify a few of why Jones has not seemed pretty much as good, particularly in opposition to strain, as he did in the course of the first two months of the season. With that stated, it doesn’t actually matter why he’s seemed dangerous, he must look higher in these conditions regardless.

This week will solely be tougher for the offense than it was per week in the past. The Texans might need the most effective protection within the NFL and seemingly the Colts must lean on Jonathan Taylor, one thing head coach Shane Steichen appeared unwilling to do per week in the past. One other factor they should do is get the ball out of Jones’ hand shortly. Fast hitters, screens, RPO’s, something that may decelerate the Texans cross rush which options Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. Each males have torn by means of NFL offensive traces to the tune of 10.5 and 11 sacks respectively. This isn’t a sport for a hobbled QB to take deep drops and wait on sluggish creating routes.

Defensively per week in the past we noticed a superb efficiency earlier than the wheels fell off late. The protection was on the sphere far too lengthy and didn’t have a solution for the Chiefs passing ideas. Particularly crossing routes designed to beat man protection. This week CJ Stroud will go well with up for the primary time in three weeks. Stroud’s season began a lot slower than most anticipated. The third yr passer has gone 161-242 for 1,702 yards, 11 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. Stroud hasn’t been dangerous however it’s a far cry from what everybody assumed it could be when he burst on to the scene as a rookie. The worst stat is that the Texans are 3-5 this yr with Stroud because the starter.

Though, any analytics particular person price their weight in digital ink will inform you that, wins should not a quarterback stat. And I occur to consider that, largely. On this case the truth that they went 3-0 with Davis Mills main the group says much less about Stroud vs. Mills and extra in regards to the group’s progress because the season has gone on. So what does that imply for the Colts in week 13?

In my view it will get tough.

We’re dwelling in a unique world than we had been 4 weeks in the past and whereas we’ve got a good suggestion of what the Texans offense is, we haven’t seen Stroud play in practically a month. He’s a wildcard. He’s able to throwing for 400+ and 3-5 touchdowns any given Sunday – which is true even when he has seemed a lot nearer to common to this point this season. It will likely be attention-grabbing to see what Lou Anaroumo will prepare dinner up for this Texans offense and I can be to see how this Colts secondary grows collectively over the again third of the season.

Finally I don’t really feel nice about this sport. I nonetheless suppose the Colts are a superb group and practically each fan response I noticed to final weeks loss was an enormous overreaction, however this can be a matchup nightmare when you think about the Texans protection and the relative unknown volatility of the Texans offense. I don’t like this matchup, I don’t like this sport.

Right here’s to hoping I’m fallacious and Indy rolls. Additionally, let’s cease speaking in regards to the playoffs:

That is your week 13 open thread so hang around right here, chat, have fun, commiserate, and argue within the feedback! Go wild (inside cause)!