The Houston Texans (5-2) are ready to move on from last week’s tough loss to Green Bay as they prepare to host the Indianapolis Colts (4-3) on Sunday. A win would not only secure the season sweep over their AFC South rival for just the second time in franchise history, but also strengthen their grip on the division lead. Despite a challenging outing for quarterback C.J. Stroud in Green Bay, where he managed a career-low 86 passing yards and didn’t find the end zone, head coach DeMeco Ryans isn’t worried about the young signal-caller. “C.J. handles adversity really well,” Ryans said. “He’s grounded, and one tough game doesn’t change who he is. I’m excited to see how not just C.J., but the entire team responds.” Stroud, now in his second year, has already shown resilience in his young career, and he’s approaching last week’s game as a learning opportunity. “It’s about how you respond,” Stroud said. “I’m critical of myself when I watch the film, and I’ll keep working to get better.” Ground Game Battle: Mixon vs. Colts Run Defense Joe Mixon will play a crucial role in this matchup. The star running back has eclipsed 100 rushing yards in each of the three full games he’s played this season, with his best performance coming in Week 1 against Indianapolis. In that opener, Mixon was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week after racking up 159 yards and a touchdown, including a staggering 101 yards after contact. Now, with the Colts surrendering an average of 159.9 rushing yards per game—second-worst in the league—Mixon will look to exploit a vulnerable defense once again. “Adding Mixon has made their offense more balanced,” Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley admitted. “He’s a dynamic back, and you have to be ready for him.” Richardson's Return to Action Indianapolis quarterback Anthony Richardson will be looking to improve after a rocky performance against Miami in his return from a hip injury. Richardson completed just 41.7% of his passes, but still led his team to two key fourth-quarter field goals in a gritty 16-10 win. With just nine NFL games under his belt, Colts coach Shane Steichen emphasized the focus remains on growth. “He’s still gaining experience, and seeing a familiar opponent should help,” Steichen noted. Taylor's Potential Return The Colts could receive a major boost with the expected return of All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor, who has been sidelined for three weeks with an ankle injury. Taylor’s full participation in Wednesday’s practice signals his likely return to action, and the Colts are eager to see him back. “Getting JT back would be huge,” Steichen said. “We know the impact he can make.” A New Face in Houston's Defense The Texans have added linebacker Devin White, hoping the former Pro Bowler can provide an extra spark against the Colts. White, who signed a one-year deal with Philadelphia earlier this season but never played, brings plenty of talent to Houston’s defense. “He’s a top-10 talent for a reason,” Ryans said. “Life happens, and now he has an opportunity to make an impact here.” Can the Colts Keep it Close? Indianapolis has a knack for keeping games tight, with every contest this season decided by six points or fewer. Under Steichen, the Colts have an impressive 11-6 record in one-score games, thriving on minimizing mistakes and finishing strong. “It’s about smart football,” Steichen explained. “Being disciplined, limiting penalties and turnovers—those are the things that make a difference in close games.” As the Texans look to rebound and extend their division lead, Sunday’s game promises to be another hard-fought AFC South battle. Can Stroud and Mixon lead Houston to a season sweep, or will Richardson and Taylor spoil the party?