Colts vs. Texans: TV Schedule, Live Streaming, Radio, Game Time and More

There isn’t a single more controversial game on the NFL’s Week 1 slate than the Houston Texans hosting the Indianapolis Colts.

We’re on a journey more epic than the Neverending Story in the AFC South this year. We could be witnessing the end of an era as the Texans finally overtake the Colts for the division title.

All eyes are on Peyton Manning, as his availability is in serious jeopardy heading into the matchup. The lack of offseason treatment slowed down Manning’s rehab process, and now he remains doubtful to start Sunday.

Indy’s season would be far from over even if they lost the matchup. Houston steamrolled Indy to open the 2010 season, but the Colts still managed to win the AFC South in the final weeks of the season. Arian Foster rumbled for 222 yards and three touchdowns in last year’s opening beat down, but he enters the game with a hamstring injury.

We’ll break down this epic division matchup to see who has the true edge and, more importantly, which team will be one step closer or further away from the Super Bowl.

Where: Reliant Stadium

When: Sunday, September 11, 1:00 PM ET

Watch: CBS

Live Streaming Audio: NFL.com Audio Pass ($29.99 for year, $27.99 team specific, $9.99 a month)

Listen: 1070 WFNI AM Indianapolis, SR610 AM Houston 

Betting Line: Texans -8.5

This spread has been all over the place because of Manning’s availability. Considering that it seems like a long shot for him to start, this spread is more than justified. Curtis Painter and Kerry Collins won’t lead the Colts to victory. At home, the Texans open the season much like they did last year: with a big win.

What’s At Stake?

It’s difficult to say the always-competitive AFC South will be won or lost in the opening week, but it’s looking that way. The Texans weren’t ready to make the jump after their epic win over the Colts last year, but they are in perfect position to put a stranglehold on the division.

If Manning misses Week 1, we can only expect him to miss at least two games. The Texans’ defense will be much improved in Wade Phillips’ first year, especially after their stellar offseason. Houston would ride this wave of momentum into the postseason for the first time in franchise history.

The Colts’ entire era of dominance is on the line here. Manning is the key to everything in Indianapolis. Without him, the Colts could very well go from a 13-3 team to a 3-13 team. Indy would be the laughing stock of the NFL if its veteran core failed to impress without Manning, which is highly likely given the major voids at quarterback and defense.

Colts Injury Report

DB Antoine Bathea is questionable with a hamstring injury.

DL Robert Mathis is probably with a hamstring injury.

QB Peyton Manning is doubtful with a neck injury.

RB Dominic Rhodes is suspended for the 2011 season.

WR Austin Collie is questionable with foot and ankle injuries.

WR Anthony Gonzalez is questionable with a hamstring injury.

Texans Injury Report

DB Johnathan Joseph is questionable with a groin injury.

DB Glover Quin is questionable with a head injury.

LB Xavier Adibi is questionable with a shoulder injury.

LB DeMeco Ryans is questionable with an elbow injury.

RB Arian Foster is questionable with a hamstring injury.

RB Steve Slaton is questionable with a hamstring injury.

Fantasy Start ‘Em, Sit’ Em and Sleeper

Colts Start ‘Em: Reggie Wayne, WR

It doesn’t matter who lines up at quarterback this year because Reggie Wayne is guaranteed targets. Larry Fitzgerald was a stellar wide receiver last year despite abysmal QB play. Curtis Painter has plenty of practice time and hooked up in Week 3 of the preseason for a touchdown and more than 100 yards. Collins is a step up and will enjoy playing with a masterful technician of Wayne’s caliber.

Texans Start ‘Em: Andre Johnson, WR

Andre Johnson is fighting to be named the best WR in the NFL today. He will abuse Indy’s weak cornerbacks with his supreme speed, size and leaping ability. Andre is too strong to be pressed at the line of scrimmage and will blow past anybody that lines up near him. He is Matt Schaub’s favorite target and is a lock for at least six receptions and 100 yards.

Colts Sit ‘Em: Peyton Manning, QB

Have you been paying attention? Manning is doubtful with a neck injury. Even if the Football Gods blessed the Colts with some miracle, don’t start him. Whenever he comes back, he’ll show signs of rust. He’s barely practiced this offseason and will need time to get his legs back underneath him.

Texans Sit ‘Em: Jacoby Jones, WR

Jones was a popular sleeper last year, but Kevin Walter returns as the No. 2 WR opposite Johnson. He is too inconsistent to be considered a flex option. Until Walter goes down, he’s nothing more than a player to stash.

Colts Sleeper: Delone Carter, RB

Carter is listed behind Joseph Addai on the depth chart, but he has the ability to control the clock with more power-running than Addai does. He can catch the ball and should be the primary goal-line back as the Colts look to preserve Addai’s health. Since Manning will most likely be out, the Colts will be forced to control the pace of the game with its two-headed rushing attack.

Texans Sleeper: Derrick Ward, RB

Foster is banged up with a hamstring injury, so expect his touches to be more limited if he starts. Ward can do massive damage on limited touches, as we saw last year. He has the quickness, agility and speed to gain a ton of real estate in this offense.

What They’re Saying

It will be interesting to see who steps up in Manning’s absence because their outlook is bleak.

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“If Manning is gone for an extended period—the Colts have virtually no chance to make the playoffs.

Count on the defense? They were slightly worse than middle of the pack last year and don't look like a dominant group this year.

Count on the running game? They haven't averaged four yards per carry in forever.

Count on the offensive line? Eventually, they will be fine; but early on, this untested group will have its issues, especially in front of an immobile quarterback.

Even if Manning comes back within a month, he won't be anywhere close to the top of his game for some time. At which point, the Colts may be too far behind the playoff pack to make a run at the postseason,” states Indianapolis Star’s Bob Kravitz.

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Collins is familiar with the Texans has scorched them in the past. That was before Wade Phillips took over.

“In his seven starts against Phillips-coached defenses, Collins averaged 11.2 points. His teams haven't scored more than 17 points. Four times they were limited to 10 or fewer points,” according to Houston Chronicle’s John McClain.

Colts Player to Watch: Kerry Collins, QB

The Colts need Collins to step up in a major way with Manning out. If he can manage the game, the Colts will actually stand a chance to keep up with the high-octane Texans. Houston’s defense will take time to gel, so he gets them at the opportune time. It will be interesting to see if the Colts brought him out of retirement too late to make a difference. Still, he has the offensive pieces around him in Wayne, Addai and Dallas Clark to do damage.

Texans Player to Watch: Matt Schaub, QB

With Manning likely out, Schaub has an opportunity to take the AFC South by the throat. He can become the best QB in the division and even the conference this year. The pressure is on, but he’s been on the brink of megastardom for the past two seasons. The Colts have a great defensive line, but the secondary is weak. Schaub needs to dissect the Colts’ defense and lead the Texans to a monstrous victory.

Key Matchup: Indianapolis’ Offensive Line vs. Houston’s Linebackers

Wade Phillips’ revamped defense relies on the pass-rush of the linebackers. Mario Williams is switching to outside linebacker to increase pressure on the QB. Indy rebuilt its weak offensive line this offseason, but they could crumble as Collins holds on to the ball too long. It could be a long day for this Colts offense.

On the Hot Seat: Gary Kubiak, Texans Head Coach

Kubiak is on the hot seat all season. His Texans are now the favorites to win the AFC South. If he fails to lead them to the playoffs again, he’ll be looking for another head coaching position in the offseason. If his Texans fall at home to a Manning-less Colts team, he may be out of a job quicker than we think.

Prediction: Texans, 31-20

This will be another high-scoring Colts-Texans matchup. The ball will be flying early and often. Houston enters the game with a ton of momentum while the Colts are looking for answers. Collins won’t be as bad as people predict, but he won’t be able to do the impossible and upset the Texans. Houston covers the spread and begins its postseason journey in epic fashion.