After an exhilarating 23-19 win over the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night, the Houston Texans players and coaches had an opportunity to sit back and scout their next two opponents: the Indianapolis Colts this week and the Kansas City Chiefs next week, both on the road.
The Chiefs narrowly defeated the Colts 23-20 in overtime, tightening the AFC South race.
After a difficult 0-3 start to the season, Houston (6-5) has moved back into playoff contention, which many had already dismissed by Week 4, as they are two games behind first place, trailing Indianapolis (8-3) and Jacksonville (7-4).
Indianapolis has dominated the division for most of the season, with the unexpected performance of quarterback Daniel Jones, who took over starting duties when the team chose to make 2023 first-round pick Anthony Richardson the backup. They also have running back Jonathan Taylor performing at an NFL MVP level, leading the league with 1,197 rushing yards.
However, Houston has a lot in its favor heading into Indianapolis this week, as starting quarterback C.J. Stroud will be healthy after missing three games due to a concussion suffered against the Denver Broncos. He tends to play some of his best games against the Colts, as he is 3-1 since entering the league in 2023, including a 2-0 record at Lucas Oil Stadium.
“It’s a blessing,” said Texans wide receiver Nico Collins, speaking about having Stroud back on the field to practice last week. “It was exciting to see my dawg back out there. Looking good and suited up with the J’s (Jordan Cleats) and the red (uniform). I’m happy my dawg is back out there. It was good to see him for sure.”
The Texans will also bring the league’s top defensive unit to Indy, led by edge rushers Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. Both players made the game a nightmare for reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen and the rest of the Buffalo Bills’ offense last Thursday night. Houston’s defensive front seven had a season-high eight sacks on Allen as they made him uncomfortable the entire night.
When Allen was able to escape the pressure, he didn’t have any luck passing against a secondary led by All-Pro cornerbacks Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter. However, safety Calen Bullock caused chaos for Allen with two interceptions and a forced fumble.
Houston has been hot over the last eight games, posting a 6-2 record, and has found a way to keep its season alive.