Week 13 is crucial for Houston to close the gap with Indianapolis in the AFC South. Although Houston dominated the division in the past two seasons, a slow start in 2025 put them behind as Indianapolis surged. Recently, Houston has gained momentum while Indianapolis has lost two of its last three games, making this week a turning point for both teams’ division hopes.
This week’s Texans-Colts matchup directly determines whether Houston can reduce Indianapolis’s lead in the division standings to just one game. For Houston to make this challenge count, their defense must play at its best, while the offense expects a lift from starting quarterback C.J. Stroud’s return after his absence.
The Colts have the NFL’s top-scoring offense, averaging 31 points per game. Their balance between Jonathan Taylor’s running and Daniel Jones’ passing is key. Jones is playing with a fractured fibula, likely limiting his mobility.
The Texans average only 22.1 points per game and have struggled with injuries to their running backs, yet the defense sets them apart from the Colts. If the Texans maintain strong defensive pressure on Daniel Jones, as they did last week, and capitalize on Stroud’s return, Houston will significantly improve their chances to close the division gap with Indianapolis.
