The last time these two teams played each other in October it was a close one score victory for the Colts (30-23). Jacoby Brissett had one of his best games in his career posting 326 yards and 4 touchdowns in the afternoon. Deshaun Watson had one of those games he would like to forget posting 308 yards with 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. Coming into this Week 12 showdown on Thursday Night both teams are tied at (6-4) on the season and are looking to separate to make that push for the playoffs. With the AFC South is one of the tightest divisions record-wise as the lead is only by a game. So whoever wins this game tonight in Houston will have control of the first place and could be in the driver seat to win the division.

The Indianapolis Colts are coming off a huge division win against the Jacksonville Jaguars where they dominated from start to finish. Jacoby Brissett led them to a 33-13 victory at home and looked comfortable after coming back from injury. Brissett will be the key to this victory if the Colts win as they’re now without Marlon Mack their leading running back who’s out with a fractured hand. The Colts have been banged up all season from wide receivers to running backs but still, have made the best of the situation. The Colts might be getting their pro bowl receiver (TY Hilton) back for this game and if he’s available that will instantly increase their chance to win on the road in Houston. Hilton has been battling a quad injury all season and will help this Colts offense dramatically with the absence of Mack. The Colts will be going running back by the committee against the Texans who don’t have JJ Watt in this matchup as they did in October. If the Colts can have a little bit of success to add to the offensive side that should open up the play-action game. Jacoby Brissett has been spectacular this season especially playing without expectations. This Colts team has been scrappy and they’ve worked for every win this got this season. One unsung hero for this Colts team has been the offensive line play. They’ve dominated almost every matchup and have given Brissett the time he needs to make plays with his arm and his legs. If the Colts defense can mimic what the Baltimore Ravens did to the Texans on Sunday it could be an easy night. That’s a huge “Could” because it will be rare to see Watson have to back to back games being shutout like that. If Brissett can keep them in this game it should come down to the wire.

The Houston Texans are trying to forget about what happened on Sunday in Baltimore when they lost (41-7). The Texans got beat in every way you can think of Sunday. The Ravens had the edge on the offensive, defensive, and special teams. If the Texans are going to be successful against the Colts it’s going to start with their quarterback Deshaun Watson. Watson will need to stay in the pocket and find his main target, DeAndre Hopkins. They were able to connect in the Ravens game but not for a touchdown. The Colts defense isn’t as deep and dominant in the secondary so they should have no problem getting in the end zone. The Texans are well-balanced on the offensive end as they can run the ball with Carlos Hyde. The switch-up in the backfield between Hyde and Johnson has worked out and kept many teams neutral when trying to commit to the run or pass. Watson has been able to pick teams apart in the RPO and play-action so we should expect the same tonight. With Will Fuller still banged up and Kenny Stills playing hurt look for Watson to get Nuke involved heavily. DeAndre Hopkins has been one of the best if not the best in the NFL. If he can connect with Watson early in this one it can be a long night for the Colts defenders. The Houston Texans defense has been banged up all year and the secondary has been getting shredded weekly. They will need to limit Brissett in the passing game if they want to come out victorious in this one. It’s been tough without JJ Watt and someone on the Texans defensive side will need to pick up from where he left off.

Prediction: The Texans will win this game 27-21 against the Colts. Watson and Hopkins should connect tonight and the offensive will be too much for the Colts to try and stop. Deshaun Watson will have a huge bounce-back game in what should be a Thursday Night shootout in Texas. The Texan’s defense will do just enough to hold on for the victory as they play their way to first place in the AFC South Division.