Matchups to Watch: Week 15 vs. Texans

DeForest Buckner vs. Nick Martin

Buckner has been on a tear since being activated from the COVID reserve list. He is perhaps the only Colts’ defensive lineman that has consistently generated pressure on the opposing quarterback, and his ability to draw and beat double teams is a massive help for the rest of the D-Line.

Martin has been a really solid center this season, but his crucial mistake against the Colts cost the Texans a chance of a comeback, so that may still be lingering in his head. Also, if Stewart can keep Martin busy, Buckner will get a lot more one-on-one matchups, and we all know what that means.

Keep an eye on Buckner’s status for the game as he suffered an ankle injury at Thursday’s practice and didn’t participate on Friday.

T.Y. Hilton vs. Whoever is left in the Texans’ secondary

Not only is T.Y. Hilton quite literally the owner of the Texans’ franchise but Houston’s secondary is in shambles. Over the last couple of weeks, starting cornerback Bradley Roby was suspended for PED use and safety Justin Reid was placed on IR with a hand injury. The Texans are playing whatever they have left in the secondary, and T.Y. is getting hotter and hotter.

Colts O-Line vs. J.J. Watt

The last time the Colts played the Texans, J.J. Watt had a field day against the Colts’ backup tackles. Watt disrupted plenty of Colts running plays and was constantly in Rivers’ face. With Castonzo back and getting his knee healthy, Watt will probably be used more from the inside of the line, where he will most likely be double-teamed throughout the course of the game. If the Colts can contain Watt, there are not many other Texans defenders that can hurt the Colts.

Rock Ya-Sin vs. Brandin Cooks

After a horrible performance against the Titans, Ya-Sin has been quietly better over the past couple of weeks. It seems like he is beginning to improve, and at least he is getting flagged less. Cooks is banged up, so Ya-Sin will get a perfect chance to shut him down and keep his run of solid play going.

Jonathan Taylor vs. Texans’ Run Defense

JT has been on a tear the last few games, and with the running game trending up there is no better matchup than against a depleted Texans defense that has been unable to stop the run all season long. I honestly would not be surprised if Taylor manages to get 200+ yards combined on Sunday.