This decade, either the Indianapolis Colts or Houston Texans have won the AFC South every season except 2017 when the Jacksonville Jaguars did. With all due respect to the Jaguars and Tennessee Titans (last won division in 2008), the winner of Thursday night’s Colts at Texans matchup is likely to be crowned South champion again in 2019. Houston is a 4-point favorite but has failed to cover the past seven at home in the series.
Odds courtesy of OddsShark.com
When judging just by the quarterback talent, the Texans should run away with the division. After all, they have rising superstar and MVP candidate Deshaun Watson, who hasn’t missed a game this year. The Colts had a superstar quarterback as well in former No. 1 overall pick Andrew Luck, but he shockingly retired this preseason. Former backup Jacoby Brissett has played very well in his place but missed Week 10 and Indy was stunned at home behind a terrible effort from No. 2 Brian Hoyer.
Meanwhile, the Jaguars have used Nick Foles and sixth-round rookie Gardner Minshew under center this season, while Tennessee has gone with Marcus Mariota and Miami Dolphins castoff Ryan Tannehill.
The Colts will own the tiebreaker over the Texans with an upset victory on Thursday because in Week 7 Indianapolis was a 1.5-point favorite when it beat visiting Houston 30-23. Brissett had the game of his career, completing 26 of 39 passes for 326 yards, four touchdowns, no turnovers and a rating of 126.7. Brissett outplayed Watson, who was 23-for-34 for 308 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. The Texans have lost only two of their last eight regular-season division games and both were to Indianapolis.
Brissett was back this past Sunday in a 33-13 rout of Jacksonville, Indy’s fourth straight road win and cover in the division. He threw for a touchdown and rushed for one. The Colts had 264 yards rushing, their most in a game since 2004. However, top tailback Marlon Mack fractured his hand and had surgery Monday. He’s out indefinitely.
Houston was crushed in Baltimore on Sunday, 41-7. The Texans had never lost a game by double digits in which Watson started. He struggled, throwing for just 169 yards with an interception and a lost fumble. Wasn’t all on Watson as he was sacked six times. The Texans have won 18 of their past 22 games following back-to-back road outings.
