Houston Texans have to win or start facing the music

The Houston Texans were supposed to be one of the best teams in the AFC. Coming into the season, Houston looked ready to make a run. The team added Tyrann Mathieu to a roster that was already getting J.J. Watt, Whitney Mercilus and Deshaun Watson back from injury.

Everything was set for the Houston Texans to challenge the New England Patriots for conference supremacy. Instead, the Texans are 0-3 and at the bottom of the AFC South. Now, they are searching for any thread to hang on to.

Want $250 to bet on the NFL?

This weekend, Houston travels to take on the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts are only 1-2 but have been a tough out back week. The Colts aren’t getting a ton from a now-healthy Andrew Luck, but the defense has played effectively behind second-round rookie linebacker Darius Leonard out of South Carolina State.

Thus far, very little has gone right for the Texans. Watson has been able to stay on the field, but he’s struggled with the exception of garbage time. Much of the issues have been because of a patchwork offensive line that has offered about as much protection as a wet sheet of paper. Even when upright, Watson hasn’t been sharp, often throwing short and inaccurately, with three interceptions coming in the end zone.

Read: Jets VS Jaguars Points Total – Take the OVER to the Bank

Statistically, the Texans have gotten solid showings from receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller V, both of which who are on pace for more than 1,000 yards. The problem is everyone else. The next-leading receiver has a meager 92 yards, with Bruce Ellington notching that on eight receptions. If Watson can’t find an open target on the perimeter, there is certainly no help coming from the slot, tight end or running back.

On the ground, Lamar Miller has rushed for a respectable 4.0 yards per carry but is without a touchdown  and has just one 20+ yard run.

If the Houston Texans are going to get up and fight their way back into the playoff picture, they have to take down the Colts. A win would immediately vault Houston into third place of the division, and if the Philadelphia Eagles can beat the Tennessee Titans, the Texans would be within a game of Tennessee with a rematch at NRG Stadium coming later on.

After years of either being irrelevant or a few players away from truly competing for the Lombardi Trophy, the Texans are hoping that it isn’t too late to find winning ways and get on a roll. It starts this weekend, where the more talented team is 0-3. If Houston plays its best game, it wins. If not, the season is essentially over before it began.