The upcoming Colts (#2) game, 12/22/11

[Arky]

The 10-4 Texans have a short week as they travel to Indianapolis for a Thursday night game against the Colts. This is the Texans only prime time game this year and they might have only got it because the powers-that-be probably thought the Peyton would be playing. (Note: the bulk of the NFL games this weekend will be on Saturday due to Christmas being on Sunday. There will still be SNF and MNF). Texans rookie QB TJ Yates had a rough go of it last Sunday in 28-13 loss to Carolina. The banged-up but playoff bound Texans need to rally together and put forth a better effort if they want to improve their positioning for when the playoffs begin. The Texans won the first meeting 34-7 back in Week 1 when Kerry Collins was the QB.

The 1-13 Colts now have ex-Texan Dan Orlovsky at QB. Orlovsky has been a decent replacement passing for 693 yards, 64.3% completion rate, 4 TD's, 2 INT's, 85.9 rating and has been the Colts starter for their last three games. Orlovsky got his first career win as a starter and the Colts got their first W of the season last week in a 27-13 victory over the Tennessee Titans. Orlovsky will be throwing to usual suspects Pierre Garcon (62/ 875 yds), Reggie Wayne (59/781 yds) and Austin Collie (42/369 yds) among others. TE Dallas Clark is out. The rushing attack is led by Donald Brown (115/ 586 yds), Delone Carter (95/ 372 yds) and Joseph Addai (91/ 355 yds). The Colts defense allows 385.1 yds/game (28th) and ranks 24th in passing and 28th in rushing. Football Outsiders has them dead last (32nd) in defensive efficiency.

To get back in the win column, the Texan offense should lean on the run and then throw the occasional intermediate to deep pass to keep the defense honest. The Texan defense needs to do the things they do best - pressure the QB and stop the run.

TV = NFLN, 7:20 pm CST, Thursday

Announcers = Brad Nessler, Mike Mayock

Favorite = Texans by 5.5 to 6