While some games around the NFL week 18 slate have serious playoff implications on the line, Houston visiting Indianapolis does not. That doesn’t mean the Texans at Colts contest isn’t important in the big picture though, because Houston can wrap up the #1 pick with a loss, but would likely lose that slot to Chicago if they pull out a win in the regular season finale. Indianapolis is looking at a top 5 pick as well, so this one really comes down to who wants it less. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Houston and Indianapolis were as even as you come when they met up in the 20-20 tie to start the season. It’s been quite the bookend for both squads since then, especially the Colts who have fired coach Frank Reich and gone through three different starting QBs in the process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunday’s game is almost assuredly the last for Indianapolis interim head coach Jeff Saturday<\/strong>, who started off great with a 25-20 win over the Raiders in his NFL debut but has since lost six straight. Who knows what the future holds for Texans’ coach <\/a>Lovie Smith<\/strong>, but you would think a random win in week 18 that costs Houston the #1 pick doesn’t do his prospects any favors. At the same time, Smith losing and the Texans getting the #1 pick makes the job that much more appealing to his would-be replacement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n