These crucial Texans advantages could tilt fates in epic do-or-die Colts showdown
TEXANS ON TAP
04 January 2024
The regular season is coming to an end for the Houston Texans as they play their final game against the Colts this Saturday night with an opportunity to make the playoffs.
Vegas expects this to be a close game, with the Texans now favored by a point on the road against Indy. The line opened with the Colts favored by a 1.5 points.
Injuries will be a big factor in this matchup, the Colts have some issues on their o-line with center Ryan Kelly out of practice, and guard Quenton Nelson limited.
It could be tough for the Texans to take advantage of the situation, as all four starting defensive linemen have yet to practice this week for Houston.
Wednesday’s Injury Report for #HOUvsIND ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/JlE4lnUuMr
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) January 3, 2024
In the passing game, the Texans could have some success with running back Devin Singletary and wide receiver Nico Collins. The Colts surrendered 6 catches to Raiders running backs last week, and 7 catches to Falcons RB Bijan Robinson two weeks ago.
Raiders receiver Davante Adams caught 13 balls for 126 yards and 2 TDs against Indy last week, so Collins could have a big day.
While these teams are very different from when they faced off in week 2, there are some things to keep in mind from the first time they played.
The Texans can't afford to fall behind like they did against the Colts in September. If the defense allows 28 points again in the first half, it's going to be a long day for Houston. The Texans only score 22 points per game on average.
But on the positive side of things, the Colts allow the 6th most points per game (24.5) in the league.
So who comes out on top? Check out the video above for an early preview of the game and our predictions!
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José Soriano and two relievers combined for a two-hitter and Oswald Peraza hit his first home run since a trade from the Yankees to lead the Los Angeles Angels to a 3-0 win over the Houston Astros on Sunday.
Soriano (10-9) allowed one hit and struck out eight in seven innings. Luis García allowed one hit in a scoreless eighth and Kenley Jansen threw a perfect ninth for his 25th save.
There were two outs in the fifth when Peraza connected off Hunter Brown (10-7) into the bullpen in right-center field to put the Angels up 1-0. His homer comes after his two-run single in the ninth inning Saturday helped Los Angeles to a 4-1 victory that snapped a three-game skid.
Yoan Moncada walked to start the eighth and scored on Mike Trout’s double that bounced off the wall in center field to make it 2-0. Taylor Ward walked before Luis Rengifo reached and Trout scored on an error by Lance McCullers Jr. when the pitcher overthrew first base.
Yordan Alvarez singled with no outs in the first and Soriano walked a batter in the second and sixth innings. The Astros didn’t get another hit until Ramón Urías doubled with one out in the eighth inning. Los Angeles outfielder Taylor Ward was injured trying to make a catch on that hit when he crashed face-first into the metal scoreboard in left field.
He was carted off the field holding a towel to the right side of his face. He was taken to a hospital by ambulance where interim manager Ray Montgomery said he would receive stitches to close the cut and be evaluated.
Brown allowed three hits and a run with five strikeouts in six innings. McCullers Jr. allowed three hits and two runs in his first relief appearance since 2018.
Key moment
The home run by Peraza.
Key stat
It’s the fifth time the Astros have been shut out this month.
Up next
LHP Yusei Kikuchi (6-9, 3.68 ERA) will start for Los Angeles in the series finale Monday against RHP Luis Garcia, who’ll make his return after sitting out since May 2023 recovering from Tommy John surgery.
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