NFL / Andy Richmond / 06 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Andy Richmond has been impressed by the Texans' new found toughness but can't see them getting past Peyton's Colts

"Peyton Manning is 7-0 at home against the Texans and has 20 touchdown passes and only two interceptions in those games – expect that run to continue on Sunday."

Indianapolis and Houston square off in possibly the most intriguing match-up of Week Nine.

The Colts are the quietest unbeaten team in recent memory, a smooth, unruffled, well-oiled machine which has sailed serenely to a 7-0 record. Peyton Manning and Co have piled up four wins by 17 or more points and three by 2 to 4 - they can blow you away or dog it out until the end.

But despite such dominance their schedule - so far - has had a "soft" look about it, instead of Miami, Seattle and San Francisco, Indy must take on the Texans (twice), New England and Baltimore, two at home and two on the road. Here their control of the AFC South will be fully challenged by a team that is - finally - living up to pre-season expectations. I expected more from the Texans this year and made them a good outside bet to have a least a good run at the play-offs especially after finishing 2008 with six wins in their final seven games.

They started the year poorly though only winning against Tennessee and Oakland - most this year have done that - but they have shown good mental toughness, winning three in a row to improve to 5-3. Houston have already answered a lot of questions about their ability to find consistency. This week presents the real test, though. If the Texans seriously want to challenge for the AFC South title, they have to start beating teams like the Colts.

That task is made tougher by the news that they have lost star tight end Owen Daniels for the season. That has thrust two previously unheralded backups into the spotlight - Joel Dreessen has functioned mostly as a blocker throughout his four-year career, while James Casey is a rookie fifth-round pick who has yet to see the field much this season. With problems at running back, starter Steve Sleaton was benched last week after his fifth fumble of the season, this second consecutive road game for the Texans will prove tough, especially as they love to take to the air and the Colts pass defence has given up just three passing TDs all year.

Peyton Manning is 7-0 at home against the Texans and has 20 touchdown passes and only two interceptions in those games - expect that run to continue on Sunday.

Recommendation: -8.5 is a tough handicap but ½ pt on the Colts at [2.04] or better and ½ pt on under 47.5 match points at [2.0] or better

Tags: Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Peyton Manning