Game Preview
Mike Krueger
Predicted Score: Colts 30, Texans 13
Houston: It appears that Sage Rosefels will make his third start of the season this week and why not? He's 3-0 as a starter since taking over for the Matt Schaub including back-to-back wins against Tampa Bay and Denver. Schaub did some light throwing in practice this week and could be the backup on Sunday. Running back Ron Dayne will likely see his workload decrease the final two weeks as he continues to be bothered by an ankle injury. That means more work for Darius Walker who carried 13 times for 66 yards against Denver.
- Start: WR Andre Johnson, TE Owen Daniels
- Consider: RB Darius Walker, QB Sage Rosenfels
- Sit: WR Jacoby Jones, RB Ron Dayne
Indianapolis: Tony Dungy said Monday he plans to use his players "like we normally would" in Sunday's game against Houston. The Colts have no where to go regarding playoff seeding as they are locked into the number two position, however Dungy and Peyton Manning appear to be on the same page as both want to remain sharp heading into the playoffs, specifically with young wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez becoming a key contributor to the offense. Remember the Colts rested starters for the final two games of the 2005 season, and then promptly lost to Pittsburgh in the playoffs. Maybe Week 17 will see some rest in the fourth quarter for key starters like Manning, Addai, Wayne, and Clark but not this week against Houston.
- Start: QB Peyton Manning, RB Joseph Addai, WR Marvin Harrison, WR Reggie Wayne, K Adam Vinatieri
- Consider: TE Dallas Clark, WR Anthony Gonzalez
- Sit: N/A