NFL Standings 2015: Will Indianapolis Colts or Houston Texans Win the AFC South?
Who saw this coming? The Indianapolis Colts have owned the AFC South, winning it nine of the last 13 years, but the Houston Texans are giving them a run for their money this season. At the moment, the Colts and Texans are both 6-5 heading into Week 13. The Colts have won their last three games while the Texans are on a four game win streak.
Currently, the Colts hold the tie-breaker because they defeated the Texans in Week 5. The Colts are the No. 4 seed because they are the division leader. Despite the fact that Andrew Luck has been dealing with injuries all year long, and he is just 2-5 as a starter this year, the Colts have managed quite well without him. Veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is a perfect 4-0 as a starter this season with seven touchdowns and two interceptions. Luck has big-time talent, but he was turning the ball over at a very high rate. Luck threw multiple interceptions in five of the seven games he played this season. This could be a great learning experience for Luck to watch a more disciplined quarterback protect the ball.
Luck is expected to return as the starter when healthy.
The Colts are about to embark on a little road trip, against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Jacksonville Jaguars. Eight of the Colts' last nine games have been decided by one possession. At minimum, the Colts have to win at least one of those games, and then possibly the biggest game of the year comes in Week 15. The Colts and Texans will face off in a huge game in what could decide the AFC South division title.
As for the Texans, they've been one of the hottest teams in the league lately. The Texans have won four consecutive games including a huge Monday Night Football win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The Texans were left for dead at 2-5, but J.J. Watt and this defense are shutting down opposing teams week in and week out. The Texans defense now ranks No. 6 in points allowed and No. 3 against the pass. Former No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney has been injured a lot, but he has played well when given the chance.
Brian Hoyer has been very impressive this year with 15 touchdowns and five interceptions. Hoyer is 4-2 as the Texans starter so far. The Texans have struggled head-to-head against the Colts, and they know they will have to beat them in two weeks if they want the AFC South crown. DeAndre Hopkins is emerging as an elite wide receiver in this league.
Neither the Texans nor Colts have a great running game, and both have had to deal with injuries to the running back position. The Texans take on the Buffalo Bills this weekend in a huge game while the Colts face the Steelers. Both the Colts and Texans will play on the road this week. The Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans are a combined 6-16, so it's pretty unlikely that either one of those teams will win the AFC South this year.
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