Fresh off a gritty, statement-making 23-19 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football, the Texans are now 6-5. They’ve won three straight with back-up QB, Davis Mills. The defense is swarming and locking opposing offenses down like a federal reserve vault. And, perhaps most importantly, they now have a 10-day "mini-bye" to prepare for the biggest game of their season. A road trip to Lucas Oil Stadium to face the 8-2 Indianapolis Colts on November 30th, will be a very crucial game.

Here is what the Texan and the fans should expect when they stampede into Indy next Sunday.

The Colts Will Play To End The Texans Streak

Let’s not mince words: The Indianapolis Colts have been the class of the division this year. Sitting at 8-2, they have virtually locked up a playoff spot and have a stranglehold on the AFC South crown. A win against Houston next week would essentially end the division race.

Expect the Colts to come out with knockout intentions and for them to end the Texans' streak. They know Houston is, now of sorts, the only lingering threat. If they bury the Texans on November 30, they can start looking toward playoff seeding. Houston should expect an aggressive, high-tempo start from the Colts. Expect Indy to tame and break the Texans spirit early. 

Questionable QB Factors

The Texans' defense just did a masterful job containing Josh Allen’s legs on Thursday night, limiting the Bills' explosive plays. They will need to replicate that discipline tenfold. Look for the Colts to utilize heavy Run-Pass Option concepts to freeze the Texans' aggressive linebackers. Indy will definitely attempt to confuse the Texans defense.

 The questionable factor is that, the Colts announced Thursday that Daniel Jones was added to the injury report with a calf injury, denoting him as a limited participant in practice against the Chiefs. This injury report leaves the Colts quarterback room depleted with back-up Anthony Richardson also out on IR with an eye injury. This barrier currently leaves the Colts with 6th round rookie Riley Leonard.

Houston should expect Jones (if moved from injury report, which he should be) to challenge their secondary deep early on. Houston’s secondary legs will truly be tested fresh after the long break.

The "Mini-Bye" Advantage

Having a previous short play week, resulting in a sort of a "mini-bye", can be the Texans' advantage. While the Colts will be playing a standard Sunday schedule this weekend, Houston is already resting. By the time kickoff arrives on the 30th, the Texans will have had ten days to heal bumps and bruises, install a specific game plan, self-scout and make necessary adjustments.

DeMeco Ryans is at his best when he has extra time to prepare defensive schemes. Expect Houston to unveil some new schemes, simulated pressures or disguised coverages, designed specifically to confuse Richardson. Expect the Texans defense to shut the Colts offense down as they have been doing with previous opponents.

A Playoff Atmosphere in November

For Houston, a loss drops them to 6-6 and more than likely send them into fight mode for a Wild Card spot in a crowded AFC. A win moves them to 7-5 and puts them a position to be play-off bound.

Lucas Oil Stadium is going to be deafening. Truth is, the Texans haven't just been losing on the road, but rather they've been surviving. But this environment will be hostile. Money Mills has been clutch during this three-game win streak, but he will need to operate with consistency and perfect communication. Any degree of error, can result in a devastating loss next Sunday.

The Verdict

The Texans should expect their toughest physical test of the season. The Colts are big, fast, and confident. But Houston should also expect to be the fresher, more desperate team. Houston should factor that underdog energy and supercharge it for next Sunday against the Colts.

It will be a dogfight. And right now, a dogfight is exactly where this 2025 Texans team seems most comfortable.