The Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts have a long-standing rivalry in the NFL, with their matchups often being closely contested and filled with exciting moments. To understand the dynamics of their games, let’s dive into some key stats and trends that have emerged over the years.
Head-to-Head Record
As of the end of the 2022 NFL season, the Colts lead the series with a record of 31-8-1 against the Texans. This significant lead underscores the Colts’ historical dominance in the rivalry.
Points Per Game
- Houston Texans: The Texans have averaged about 20.5 points per game in their matchups against the Colts.
- Indianapolis Colts: Conversely, the Colts have averaged around 24.8 points per game when facing the Texans.
Total Yards Per Game
- Houston Texans: The Texans tend to accumulate approximately 340 total yards per game against the Colts.
- Indianapolis Colts: The Colts, on the other hand, average about 380 total yards per game in their games against the Texans.
Passing Yards Per Game
- Houston Texans: The Texans average around 220 passing yards per game when playing the Colts.
- Indianapolis Colts: The Colts have averaged about 260 passing yards per game in their contests against the Texans.
Rushing Yards Per Game
- Houston Texans: The Texans manage to rush for approximately 120 yards per game against the Colts.
- Indianapolis Colts: The Colts average around 120 rushing yards per game as well when facing the Texans, indicating a balanced approach from both teams on the ground.
Turnovers
- Houston Texans: The Texans average about 1.5 turnovers per game against the Colts.
- Indianapolis Colts: The Colts have a slightly better record, with an average of 1.2 turnovers per game against the Texans.
Notable Trends
- Home Advantage: The Colts have historically performed better at home, with a winning percentage of about 75% in games played in Indianapolis against the Texans.
- Recent Trends: In recent years, the Texans have shown improvement, closing the gap in terms of competitiveness. However, the Colts still maintain an edge, particularly in high-stakes games.
Key Player Matchups
- Quarterback Duel: The performances of the quarterbacks on both sides have significantly impacted the outcomes of these games. For the Colts, quarterbacks like Peyton Manning and more recently, Matt Ryan, have led the team to numerous victories. On the Texans’ side, Deshaun Watson, before his departure, was instrumental in several of their wins.
- Running Back Battles: The rivalry has also seen notable performances from running backs. For the Texans, players like Arian Foster have had significant games against the Colts, while the Colts have seen impact from runners like Jonathan Taylor in recent seasons.
Coaching Strategies
- Bill O’Brien vs. Frank Reich: The coaching matchup between Bill O’Brien (formerly of the Texans) and Frank Reich (of the Colts) brought interesting strategic decisions to the forefront, with both coaches known for their offensive expertise.
- Current Era: With changes in both teams’ coaching staffs, including the hiring of new head coaches, the strategic approaches to these matchups are expected to evolve, potentially leading to new trends and outcomes.
Future Outlook
Given the competitive nature of the NFL and the constant flux of team rosters and coaching staff, the dynamics of the Texans vs. Colts rivalry are likely to continue shifting. Both teams have shown the ability to adapt and compete at high levels, suggesting that future matchups will remain closely contested and compelling for fans.
Statistical Summary
- Total Games: 40
- Colts Wins: 31
- Texans Wins: 8
- Ties: 1
- Average Score - Colts: 24.8 - 20.5 Texans
These statistics paint a picture of a rivalry where the Colts have traditionally held the upper hand, but with the Texans periodically upsetting the balance. As both teams continue to evolve, fans can look forward to seeing how these trends play out in future matchups.
