How the Houston Texans can bounce back in a big way against the Colts

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After dropping the opener to the Ravens on Sunday, the Texans welcome rookie QB Anthony Richardson and the Indianapolis Colts to Houston for the first divisional game of the season.

The Texans beat the Colts in the finale last year, and tied with the Colts in the first game of the season in 2022. So this is a team the Texans have a real chance at beating.

Vegas has the Texans as 1-point favorites at home, and we expect to see some improvement from CJ Stroud against the Colts' underwhelming pass defense. And this year they're without star cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who was traded to the Cowboys in the offseason.

Indianapolis lost to the Jaguars last week, but Richardson looked pretty good in his debut, scoring two touchdowns in the defeat.

CJ Stroud should have more time to get the ball out this Sunday, which will hopefully lead to more aggressive throws downfield, as Stroud only threw one pass that traveled 20 yards or more against Baltimore.

But he did record 28 completions, which ties him with Trevor Lawrence for the 4th most completions in an NFL debut, per NFL Rookie Watch.

Taking some shots downfield should also loosen things up for Dameon Pierce and the Texans running game. Pierce clearly needs to be more involved, having only 13 total touches last week.

Make sure you watch the video above for the full Texans-Colts preview!

Don't miss Texans on Tap (a Texans podcast) every Monday on SportsMap Texans' YouTube channel!


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Can the Texans overcome their injuries this week? Composite Getty Image.

ESPN insider, DJ Bien-Aime shares his thoughts on the amount of injuries the Texans are dealing with and how that could prevent them from securing a victory over the Packers this weekend.

The Texans may have to start their third string linebacker this week, Neville Hewitt, if both Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To'oTo'o are unable to play.

Plus, corner Kamari Lassiter is not likely to play in a matchup against several quality Green Bay receivers.

Be sure to watch the video above for the full discussion!

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