Indianapolis Looks To Stay Unbeaten Against Houston

NFL News - November 2nd, 2009 - Written by John

A huge game is set to take place on Sunday in the AFC as the Houston Texans travel to play the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts (7-0) are coming off a close 18-14 win against San Francisco on Sunday. They are is sole possession of first place in the AFC South. The Texans are currently riding a three-game winning streak after beating Buffalo 31-10. They are in second place in the division behind the Colts and have a record of 5-3.

The Texans offense, which is averaging 24 points per game, is led by quarterback Matt Schaub who is directing the 3rd best passing offense in the league. They are averaging 281 yards per game in the air and Schaub has passed for 2,342 yards and 16 touchdowns. Andre Johnson and Owen Daniels have become his favorite targets and have combined for 1,216 yards and 9 touchdowns. They have struggled running the ball all season and are only averaging 92 yards per game which ranks 28th. The lone standout running the ball has been Steve Slaton who has 342 yards and 2 touchdowns. Only 6 of the Texans' 24 touchdowns this year have come on the ground.

Their defense is ranked in the middle of the league in all of the defensive categories. They are giving up 21 points per game and only 213 yards passing, but they will be tested against a pass-happy offense in Indianapolis. Houston has only managed 11 sacks this year and must find a way to pressure the Colts quarterback.

The Colts' offense is averaging 28 points per game and is led by Peyton Manning. Manning is leading an offense that is averaging 403 yards per game and he has thrown for 2,227 yards and 15 touchdowns. His two playmakers at wide receiver are Reggie Wayne and tight end Dallas Clark, who have combined for 1,273 yards and 9 touchdowns. The Colts' running attack has suffered all year and ranks 30th in the league with only 87 yards per game. Joseph Addai is their leader with only 336 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Indianapolis' defense is not allowing many points at all and is ranked first in the league with only giving up 13 per game. The strong point of their defensive group has been up front where they have recorded 20 sacks this season. They will need to continue this week with this kind of effort to force Houston to their ground game.

Indianapolis will be favored at home by 9 according to BetUS sportsbook. The over/under is st at 48 and the total has gone over in 5 of the Colts' last 5 games when playing at home against Houston.

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