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Houston Texans v Indianapolis Colts

Source: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans drops back to pass during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 6, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

Week 1 in the NFL started off better than any fan (unless you’re from Baltimore) could’ve hoped, as the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens put on quite the show Thursday night. The game came down to a matter of millimeters, as Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson‘s would-be touchdown pass to tight end Isaiah Likely was foiled by the tip of Likely’s cleat landing out of bounds once he completed the catch.

The Chiefs were victorious at home after the officials determined the game was over with time expiring, defeating the Ravens 27-20. While it’ll be hard for any game to surpass what we all witnessed Thursday, there’s sure to be plenty of excitement for the return of NFL football.

NFL: SEP 05 Ravens at Chiefs

Source: Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (80) makes a catch late in the fourth quarter of an NFL game between the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs on September 5, 2024 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Houston Texans fans should be especially excited, as they have a favorable road matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium against their AFC South division opponent; the Indianapolis Colts. The Texans have made a variety of improvements to their young roster, fresh off a playoff appearance that saw them defeat the Cleveland Browns and later fall to the Ravens the following week.

As for the Colts, they’re still figuring out the roster, seeing what they have in players like quarterback Anthony Richardson. He returns from an AC joint sprain that limited him to four games during his rookie season.

The Texans split the season series with the Colts during the 2023-24 campaign, starting with a Week 2 loss at home to the Colts, 31-20. The two teams met again in Week 18, the last week of the regular season, with the Texans topping the Colts 23-19 on the road.

For Sunday’s 12 p.m. game, Houston is favored by 2.5 points, according to FanDuel. What the Texans have going for them is the star power at their skill positions heading into this season. The additions of wide receiver Stefon Diggs and running back Joe Mixon give second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud proven added weaponry. Stroud dazzled NFL fans and the media last season by what he was able to do through the air with what many considered a subpar wide receiver room.

NFL: AUG 17 Preseason Giants at Texans

Source: New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns (0) chases Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1) in the first quarter during the NFL preseason game between the New York Giants and Houston Texans on August 17, 2024 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Second-year wide receiver Tank Dell will also be returning to the lineup following a fractured fibula suffered in Week 13, ending his rookie campaign prematurely. Dell was a welcomed surprise as the young receiver exceed expectations for many last season.

Diggs, who’s tumultuous time with the Buffalo Bills came to an end this offseason in a trade to Houston, gives the Texans a major boost in star power at the position. He joins wide receiver Nico Collins, who led the team in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns last season, to form what figures to be a potent dual-WR1 combo.

Mixon, who came over from the Cincinnati Bengals, is a big upgrade over former Texans running back Devin Singletary. The former Pro Bowl running back will make it difficult for third-year back Dameon Pierce to find a consistent role with the team. He’s been part of trade rumors all offseason.

While the Texans have a wealth of talent on offense, the Colts aren’t exactly slouches at their skill positions either. Richardson showed a lot of promise last season, with his speed and mobility on the run presenting an interesting challenge for the Texans defense.

Houston Texans v Indianapolis Colts

Source: Michael Pittman Jr. #11 of the Indianapolis Colts carries the ball during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 6, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

Wide receiver Michael Pittman was one of the top wideouts in the NFL last season, posting career-highs in receptions and receiving yards. He was fifth in receptions in the league last season.

Star running back Jonathan Taylor had a bounce-back season after a disappointing 2022-23 campaign, averaging 89.4 yards per game and managed to find the end zone in each of his last six games.

Despite a pair of close games last season, don’t be surprised if the Texans start of the 2024-25 season with a convincing win over their division rival, by more than a single possession. You can tune in to Texans on Sunday at 12 p.m. on CBS.