The Houston Texans host the The Houston Texans host the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday Night Football in an important AFC South matchup to kickoff Week 12. The Colts took the first game between these two teams at home in Week 7. That win gives them the edge at the moment, as they come into this matchup both with six wins and four losses.

The Colts ran over the Jaguars last week, putting two running backs over 100 yards rushing, as Jonathan Williams and Marlon Mack both topped the century mark. Mack was forced from last week’s game and will miss this tilt against the Texans. Colts running back Jordan Wilkins returns from an ankle injury, which will put Williams, Wilkins and Nyheim Hines in a committee.

The Texans come off a 41-7 shellacking by the Ravens in Baltimore last Sunday. Thursday night’s matchup is critical for them to get back on track and to take the lead back in the division.

Matchups are crucial, but it helps to see what the analytics are saying about potential performances. Looking at ESPN fantasy projections, there are plenty of start/sit decisions to consider for both teams. The three-headed backfield of Wilkins, Williams and Hines might be one to stay away from, as the projections have them at an almost even split in fantasy points.

Both Watson and Jacoby Brissett have good projection totals, which bodes well for their passing game. Unfortunately, the status of T.Y. Hilton remains up in the air, which will affect the numbers if Hilton suits up. Will Fuller is also questionable to play and appears to be a game time decision. If he plays, his upside is alway high and he could cut into DeAndre Hopkins target numbers somewhat.

Indianapolis Colts

QB Jacoby Brissett: 18.3
RB Jonathan Williams: 7.3
RB Jordan Wilkins: 8.5
RB Nyheim Hines: 9.2
WR T.Y. Hilton: ?
WR Zach Pascal 11.2
WR Marcus Johnson: 9
TE Eric Ebron: 9.3
TE Jack Doyle: 6.7
K Adam Vinatieri: 7.4
Colts D/ST: 5.6

Houston Texans

QB Deshaun Watson: 20.7
RB Carlos Hyde: 11.8
RB Duke Johnson: 9.7
WR DeAndre Hopkins: 17.2
WR Will Fuller: 12.8
WR Kenny Stills: 8.3
TE Darren Fells: 6.3
K Ka’imi Fairbairn: 8.1
Texans D/ST: 4.7