The Colts and Texans have a regular season opener divisional clash—as both playoff hopefuls are ready to resume their heated AFC South rivalry!
The Matchup:
The Indianapolis Colts (0-0) host the Houston Texans (0-0) for the regular season opener, as the two AFC South rivals continue this season right where they last left off last year’s—playing one another in another divisional clash that once again could have serious playoff implications down the road for the two serious AFC postseason hopefuls.
This Colts squad will look a lot different offensively than the team that narrowly fell to the Texans during the 2023 regular season finale because of the return of dynamic second-year starting quarterback Anthony Richardson. The Texans defense should expect a heavy dose of star workhorse Jonathan Taylor again, as well as Richardson situationally, in what should be a very dangerous and difficult-to-stop Colts’ RPO game.
The question for the Colts will be whether their strong front seven can consistently get to Texans Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud, who was last year’s NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, and made several big throws to end Indy’s season last year during Week 18. If the Colts pass rush can’t get to Stroud early and often, it could be a long day for what remains a very young and unproven Indianapolis secondary—particularly with the Texans’ big addition of former NFL All-Pro veteran wideout Stefon Diggs earlier this offseason.
Injury Report:
Colts: WR Josh Downs (ankle) – Out; PK Matt Gay (hernia) – Questionable.
Texans: SAF M.J. Stewart (knee) – Out.
The Details:
Location: Lucas Oil Stadium
Time: 1 PM EST
Playing surface: Artificial turf
Weather forecast: Roof is open.
Matchup history: Colts lead series 33-11-1.
Odds: Texans (-2.5)
Head Official: John Hussey
Television broadcast: CBS (Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Jason McCourty)
Online Stream: Fubo.tv, Paramount+, NFL+
Colts radio broadcast: Matt Taylor is joined by Rick Venturi and Larra Overton on 93.5 FM; 107.5 The Fan and 97.1 HANK FM and on Colts Radio Network affiliates.
SiriusXM broadcast: Channel 228
Twitter: Stampede Blue
Facebook: Stampede Blue
