Texans vs. Colts: Houston loss could change AFC playoff picture

Houston spent most of the season as clear leaders in the AFC and likely Super Bowl favorites thanks to a dominating defense and high-scoring offense. Cracks began to show in November, however, when the Texans needed overtime to beat Jacksonville and Detroit in a slide that culminated with a 42-14 loss to New England on national television.

Since then, says Tim of the Battle Red Blog, the Texans have struggled in embarrassing fashion:

Winner

Luck didn’t have great numbers, but he did a good job of taking care of the football and finished the game completing 14-of-28 passes for 191 yards and two touchdowns.

Loser

With 5:10 left, the Colts were leading again.

What we do know for sure is that the Colts aren’t going to make it easy on Houston today. And even if the Texans do score again, somebody better tackle Karim.

One of the most incredible stories of the year has been Chuck Pagano’s battle with leukemia and return to the sidelines in Week 17. Instances like that transcend traditional narratives. So while the Texans have their sights set on beating an AFC South rival and jockeying for playoff seeding, the inspirational #ChuckStrong storyline has dominated the day.

And while Arian Foster is doing everything he can to put Houston in a position to win, he showed a lot of respect in his touchdown celebration.

A review of play ruled that Luck was in the process of throwing the ball, hence the Tuck Rule and an incomplete pass. Looking at the play, you can see the ball goes backwards and there is not a potential eligible receiver in the vicinity for Luck. The call has more than a few people curious, and some are downright angry.

Mike Pereira of Fox chimed in with an explanation:

Kickoff between the Texans and Colts is scheduled for 1 p.m ET from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

The offensive rookie of the year award is still open to debate and one of the top candidates is certainly first overall selection, Andrew Luck. The Colts quarterback broke the record for most passing yards in a season by a rookie in Week 16 and can add to his total against the Texans. He’s made his name, though, with seven fourth quarter comebacks in 2012, tied for the most by a player in a season since 1970. Luck has been helped by wide receiver Reggie Wayne, who has had one of his best ever seasons at the age of 34 and is just 67 receiving yards away from passing Steve Largent for No. 13 on the all-time receiving list.

The Texans have already eclipsed the mark for the most wins in franchise history and can extend that by earning win No. 13 against the Colts on Sunday. Leading the way on offense is quarterback Matt Schaub who needs just 267 passing yards to throw for 4,000 in three of the last four seasons. But the Colts killer on the team has been running back Arian Foster, who has averaged 164 rushing yards in four games against Indianapolis.

Houston has much more to play for, as a win in the team’s finale would secure the top seed in the AFC playoffs. In addition to a first-round bye, the Texans would be assured of playing at home until they lose or reach the Super Bowl.

1 p.m. ET Dec. 30