Houston Texans 25, Indianapolis Colts 21
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
What was a woeful matchup for the Colts now looks to be much more competitive, in light of the news of Deshaun Watson's torn ACL Thursday. Coming off close losses on the road in Nashville and Cincinnati, Indy was going to have to face the hottest quarterback in the league at his place. Now it will be up to Tom Savage to keep the Texans' offense productive. Perhaps watching Watson will have influenced Savage to open it up more and stretch his sea legs (proverbially, not literally). Watson was on pace to throw 43 touchdown passes, which would've shattered the rookie record by 17. (Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson own the current record at 26.) The Colts should be able to move the football on Houston, whose pass rush couldn't get Russell Wilson on the ground when it mattered most last Sunday. Jacoby Brissett's mobility might not be up to Wilson's level, but it will be a key factor in determining whether Indy stays in this game. Savage's career line: 1-2 as a starter, plus a 60 percent completion rate, 6.2 yards per attempt and a 73.9 passer rating. Not, ahem, savage numbers. Think he'll show us something this weekend.
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
What was a woeful matchup for the Colts now looks to be much more competitive, in light of the news of Deshaun Watson's torn ACL Thursday. Coming off close losses on the road in Nashville and Cincinnati, Indy was going to have to face the hottest quarterback in the league at his place. Now it will be up to Tom Savage to keep the Texans' offense productive. Perhaps watching Watson will have influenced Savage to open it up more and stretch his sea legs (proverbially, not literally). Watson was on pace to throw 43 touchdown passes, which would've shattered the rookie record by 17. (Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson own the current record at 26.) The Colts should be able to move the football on Houston, whose pass rush couldn't get Russell Wilson on the ground when it mattered most last Sunday. Jacoby Brissett's mobility might not be up to Wilson's level, but it will be a key factor in determining whether Indy stays in this game. Savage's career line: 1-2 as a starter, plus a 60 percent completion rate, 6.2 yards per attempt and a 73.9 passer rating. Not, ahem, savage numbers. Think he'll show us something this weekend.