Ryan Mallett has struggled in his four starts this season. (Getty)
The Houston Texans had a summer to remember, and a September to forget.
The Houston Texans have had a nightmare start to the season, replete with quarterback changes and blowout losses. Despite all the drama, they have a chance to be tied for the division lead with a win at home against Indianapolis on Thursday Night Football.
Injuries are a major storyline for both teams. The Colts will be without Andrew Luck for the second straight week, and backup Matt Hasselbeck spent time in the hospital this week battling a virus. Meanwhile in Houston, Arian Foster should get his first full workload of the season. Foster officially returned last week against Atlanta, but looked rusty with eight carries for ten yards and a lost fumble. Expect a much better night against a Colts run defense that allows just under 120 yards/game.
Read on for everything you need to know about the game’s betting information, per OddsShark:
Game Info
Chuck Pagano is dealing with injuries to his QB. (Getty)
Opening Line: Even
Moneyline: Indianapolis -110, Houston -110
Over/Under: 45
What To Watch For
Andre Johnson has seen his role reduced in recent years. (Getty)
One man, one division, two teams.
Andre Johnson was once the heart and soul of the Texans offense. For the majority of Texans franchise history, Johnson has been their best offensive player. Houston didn’t always have a quarterback that could keep up that could keep up with him, but Johnson remained a team player.
That’s what made the decision to cut AJ seem so odd. Johnson was destined to retire in Houston, and become a beloved Texans legend. Now he wears a different shade of blue, and will line up across from his former teammates on Thursday.
For all the preseason hype that was made of Johnson’s move to the Colts, it hasn’t exactly worked out. Johnson has had trouble separating from coverage this season, and is finding himself losing snaps to younger receivers like Donte Moncrief. Meanwhile, the absence of Johnson in Houston has led to the rise of DeAndre Hopkins, who leads the NFL with 61 targets.