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The NFL has six weeks remaining, which means the playoff picture is heating up. Week 12 gets going with a matchup with huge playoff implications as the Houston Texans host the Indianapolis Colts in an AFC South showdown on Thursday Night Football. The game kicks off at 8:20 p.m. ET and airs on FOX and NFL Network. The game will also stream on Amazon Prime.
Both teams enter the game with 6-4 records and tied at the top of the AFC South. The Texans lost to the Ravens last week while the Colts thumped the Jaguars to move into a tie. The Colts won the first matchup between these two teams, beating Houston 30-23 at home in Week 7. The winner moves into first place with a victory. If Indianapolis wins, they’ll also gain the season-sweep, which is the key tiebreaker.
We’re here to give you a hand however in preparation for the first game of Week 12.
Game Time/TV channel/Streaming
It’s an 8:20 p.m. ET start, which means inactives will arrive at 6:50 p.m. The game will air on FOX and be simulcast NFL Network. If you don’t have cable, you can stream the game through Amazon Prime.
Fantasy football start/sit advice
Neither quarterback has been playing great football this year, and the point total reflects shaky offenses. It sits at 40, which is tied for the second lowest point total at DraftKings Sportsbook. There are still a few fantasy must starts, and some decent additional options as fantasy leagues come down the stretch these final three weeks before the playoffs.
Strong start: QB DeShaun Watson, WR DeAndre Hopkins, RB Carlos Hyde, QB Jacoby Brissett, K Ka’imi Fairbairn
Decent start: WR Will Fuller, WR Kenny Stills, Texans D/ST, RB Duke Johnson, WR Zach Pascal, RB Jordan Wilkins, RB Jonathan Williams, Colts D/ST, K Adam Vinatieri
Sit: TE Darren Fells, TE Jordan Akins
Pick against the spread
The Texans are currently laying 3.5 points at DraftKings Sportsbook. The short week is always a difficult call, and this one features a host of injuries to complicate it further. The Colts are without Marlon Mack and T.Y. Hilton is unlikely to play. Texans QB DeShaun Watson is going to play but might be slowed a little by a sprained ankle, and Will Fuller is a big question mark. I see the Texans winning this game, but it’s going to be a close one, so I’m taking the points. I’m excited for Brissett vs. Watson, and I think this one comes down to the wire.
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