The Indianapolis Colts are set to host the Houston Texans at the Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, January 6. Airing on ESPN/ABC, the match will be preceded by an AFC North tilt with the Baltimore Ravens hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers
The Texans-Colts game will be one of the biggest games to be played in Lucas Oil Stadium, at least for a couple of seasons. The Colts, currently holding the seventh and final seed in the AFC playoffs, secured their spot after a crucial victory against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 17.
Tied in record with the Texans, Pittsburgh Steelers and Jacksonville Jaguars, the Colts have a chance to clinch an AFC wild-card berth with a Texans win. Furthermore, a Colts victory coupled with a Jaguars loss to the Titans on Sunday would crown the Colts AFC South champions for the first time since 2014.
One thing to watch out for is the officiating crew for the Colts-Texans game, which will be led by Bill Vinovich. Vinovich’s crew gained notoriety for the missed pass interference call during the 2019 NFC Championship game between the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams.
Texans’ confidence
Despite being a young team with a rookie head coach, DeMeco Ryans and quarterback C.J. Stroud, the Texans approach this crucial game with confidence. Stroud, speaking on the team's mindset, underlined the importance of playing with confidence, being relentless and executing the game plan.
“We’re really just going to go out there with confidence. That was the main thing we talked about today, being relentless in every single thing that we do," Stroud remarked. “We really think we can win this game, and that’s the plan, so go out there and just execute.”
To combat the pressure of the playoff scenario, Stroud said the team will need to treat the game as an opportunity to have fun and not let nerves take over.
“Not making the moment bigger than what it is, and just go out there having fun.This game is meant to be fun, so that’s what I plan to do, not be in an eggshell or be nervous,” he said.
“Of course, there are going to be nerves. I’m naturally nervous every game, but I just think those are probably the reason why I just lock in to my preparation and things like that.”
The Texans, having previously lost to the Colts 31-20 in Week 2, are eager to showcase their growth and resilience in a hard-fought battle for a playoff spot.
Colt’s turnaround in 2023
Meanwhile, for the Colts, the 2022 season was a tough one to face with the firing of coach Frank Reich in midseason. The team finished the 2022 season with the NFL's worst point margin and had little at stake in their final game against the Texans.
A year later, the Colts find themselves in a completely different position, playing meaningful games with a playoff berth on the line. Receiver Alec Pierce pointed out that a significant shift was made.
"It's truly night and day. It's been great this year to be playing for something meaningful. Last year was definitely different," Pierce said. "It was a new experience for me, not having anything to really play for. You want to go out there and win the game because that's what you're supposed to do. But nothing's going to come out of it."
Nose tackle Grover Stewart agreed with the sentiment, saying, "I like to be put under pressure. Time for big-time players to step up and make big plays."
The Colts have quite exceeded expectations this season by overcoming a three-game losing streak and a Week 16 defeat in Atlanta. Now facing another defining moment, the team is determined to make it count in their playoff pursuit.
