A crucial Week 3 matchup with the Houston Texans awaits the Indianapolis Colts. As history has shown us, 0-3 teams don't fare well when it comes to making the playoffs.
So if the Colts are going to get a much-needed win, what has to happen? And on the flip side, what could contribute to yet another loss?
Here's one reason the Colts will win and one reason that they won't.
Why the Colts will win: Jonathan Taylor controls the game
If Taylor can get going, there is the obvious production that he will bring to the table, as well as the big-play potential. All of that can lead to points.
But if Taylor is able to find regular success, there will be a ripple effect to the rest of the offense and even the defense. With Taylor churning out steady yards, that can force the defense to become more run-centric, potentially
opening up opportunities downfield for the passing game, which is something that has been hard to come by for the Colts' offense without Alec Pierce.
In addition to that, controlling the game on the ground limits possessions, keeping the ball out of the hands of the Houston offense, which means keeping the Colts' own defense on the sidelines -- and that's a good thing.
Why the Colts will lose: The defense
Pick a category, and there's a good chance that the Colts' defense ranks near the bottom of the NFL. This unit is giving up a lot of yards -- both on the ground and through the air -- and a lot of points.
The defense's inability to get regular stops and get off the field has forced the Indianapolis offense to have to play a near-perfect game to keep up and be in a position to come away with a win. To state the obvious, it's hard to win that way, especially when the offense is down one of its top playmakers in Pierce.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: One reason Colts will beat Texans and one reason they'll lose
