In what is essentially a playoff game for both teams, the Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts will each start backup quarterbacks in a matchup that promises to go a long way towards determining the AFC South champion.
The Texans (6-7), who enter tied for first place in the division with the Colts, have lost two straight, including last week's 27-6 loss to the New England Patriots. Houston quarterback Brian Hoyer suffered a concussion in the defeat and has been ruled of Sunday's game. Backup T.J. Yates, who led the Texans to two wins in place of Hoyer earlier in the season, will get the start. Houston has never beaten the Colts in Indianapolis.
Like the Texans, Indianapolis (6-7) has also lost two straight, including last week's blowout loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars and have been outscored 96-26 over the last two games. Andrew Luck, who is recovering from a lacerated kidney and abdominal injuries, returned to practice this week, but has been ruled out. Matt Hasselbeck has started the last four games in Luck's absence, but has left each of the last two weeks with injuries. Despite dealing with an injury to his ribs, Hasselebck is expected to start against Houston.
Here are three keys to the game for both the Texans and the Colts.
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1. Get after the quarterback
If you're Houston, you want to see journeyman backup Charlie Whitehurst in the game. Hasselbeck has gamely played through injury, but he's clearly less than 100 percent healthy. The Indianapolis line remains extremely suspect, so even if J.J. Watt garners the extra attention he's seen for most of the season, it still opens up an opportunity for Jadeveon Clowney and Houston's other defenders to get to Hasselbeck. The Jaguars relatively tame pass rush yielded big results last week with three sacks, including a strip-sack that went for a touchdown. Houston should be salivating at the chance to take advantage of the opportunity facing them this week.
2. More targets for Hopkins
DeAndre Hopkins caught three passes for 53 yards on six targets in the loss to New England. Simply put, that's not enough. He's Houston's best offensive player by far, and playing against a weak Indianapolis secondary, he's the Texans' best chance for putting points on the scoreboard. Hopkins should be the focal point of the offense this week.
3. Re-establish the run
The Texans' version of the Wildcat yielded just four yards last week, but it is paramount Houston establish the run with Yates at quarterback. Chris Polk started a running back in place of Alfred Blue last week with little impact, and whether he earns another opportunity this week or not, whoever starts needs to be given touches. The Colts gave up 154 yards on the ground to the Jaguars last week and have shown they are vulnerable against the run. Yates will need the aid of the running game to add balance to the offense.
1. Fix the leaky pass defense
The Colts' pass defense ranks 29th in the NFL, giving up an average of 276.2 yards per game. Vontae Davis hasn't played up to his Pro Bowl level of last season, while fellow starter Greg Toler has struggled and is dealing with a knee injury that kept him out of last week's game. Jaguars receiver Allen Hurns caught three passes for 105 yards and touchdown last week and this week, the Colts' secondary must contend with one of the NFL's most dangerous receivers in Hopkins. Containing Hopkins is a must and the Colts should double cover him at all times, forcing one of Houston's other receivers to step up.
2. Quick passes on offense
Hasselbeck remains banged up and can't afford to hold onto the ball too long against the Houston pass rush. Colts offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski should implement a game plan that relies on quick passes, including screens and dump offs to the running backs to help keep the 17-year veteran out of harm's way. The longer Hasselbeck stands in the pocket trying the make a play, the greater the likelihood Whitehurst will be called on for the third straight week. The Colts should also consider using their running backs and tight ends to help with protection against Watt and the Houston pass rush.
3. This is Gore's time
Games like this with postseason implications are why the Colts brought running back Frank Gore to Indianapolis last March. Gore's track record of success in big games warrants the offense leaning on him heavily. Frankly, with the Colts' quarterback situation being what it is, this is a game the team should consider running heavily anyway. Indianapolis should give Gore 25 carries and let him try to carry the offense.
