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NFL Playoffs: Predicting the AFC Wildcard Round

By Graham Tiedtke

CARSON, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Running back Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers fights off cornerback Greg Mabin #26 of the San Francisco 49ers as he runs for a first down in the fourth quarter of the game at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Running back Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers fights off cornerback Greg Mabin #26 of the San Francisco 49ers as he runs for a first down in the fourth quarter of the game at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – SEPTEMBER 30: Jeremy McNichols #34 of the Indianapolis Colts runs the ball in the game in the game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – SEPTEMBER 30: Jeremy McNichols #34 of the Indianapolis Colts runs the ball in the game in the game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Colts @ Texans

Graham Tiedtke

The 2019 AFC Wildcard Playoffs start out with a wildcard matchup featuring two divisional opponents as the Indianapolis Colts visit the Houston Texans.

The Indianapolis Colts have made it to the postseason in Frank Reich’s first season as head coach. They are riding a four-game win streak heading into Houston this weekend to face the Texans.

Indianapolis started 1-5 during the regular season and managed to climb to 10-6. Houston started out 0-3 and ended up 11-5. Both are amazing accomplishments.

For this game, the Texans are a 3-point favorite at home. They are led by quarterback Deshaun Watson and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins on offense, as well as JJ Watt and Jadeveon Clowney on defense.

Hopkins ranks third in the entire league in receptions (115) and second in the league in yards (1,572). He has eleven touchdown receptions which ranks fifth.

For the Colts’ offense, Andrew Luck is in the top five of the league in passing yards (4,593) and second in touchdowns (39) to just Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (50).

Colts 34, Texans 24

Baylor Bradac

The playoffs are here, and to kick off the AFC games, the Colts head to Houston to take on the Texans. Both teams saw their QBs miss time earlier this year, but since week 6, both teams have gone 9-2.

With Andrew Luck back in the playoffs, the Colts are looking for their first real push in years. Over the course of the season they managed to have a top ten offense thanks to Luck and the passing game. Indy was averaging just shy of 400 YPG on offense while only giving an average of about 340 YPG.

A huge benefit for the Colts is their offensive line. Indy only allowed 1.1 sacks per game in the 2018 regular season. Giving Andrew Luck a consistently clean pocket will see any team in the league struggling to stop him.

The Texans had a rough start to the year, still missing DeShaun Watson from the 2017 season, and many people had doubts. But since week 6, it’s been nothing but high hopes and good vibes in Houston as they have rolled 9 of their last 11 opponents.

The Texans have home field advantage in this one, and in the playoffs, that’s a huge advantage. The Texans boast a top 10 run game in the league by the end of the season, and look to continue to move the ball on the ground.

The Texans do not have a problem moving the ball with their super star receiver either. If the Texans want to win this game, is all on the defense to stop Luck and the Colts.

When the dust settles on this wild card weekend, I expect to see Indianapolis moving into the divisional round.

Colts 27, Texans 24

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