Williams sacked Peyton Manning once when the teams played in Indianapolis on Nov.8, one of two sacks for the Texans. However, Manning threw 50 passes, so one sack every 25 times isn't all that bad. Williams will try to put more pressure on Manning with the loud Houston crowd on his side. Johnson was a surprise starter when the season began, but has turned into a solid left tackle, making Tony Ugoh all but irrelevant. However, Johnson missed some practice time this week with a foot injury.


Edge: Williams

Cushing is everywhere on the field, whether locking up running backs or ramming into a tight end on the passing game. Addai did a decent job against the Texans in Indy, carrying 14 times for 63 yards. Brown wasn't available that game, so the potential for a better ground game exists. Manning doesn't necessarily want to throw 50 times on the road. If the Colts could establish a better running attack, who knows what might happen?


Edge: Even

Pollard, a Fort Wayne native, picked off two passes in the first meeting – one on a Manning throw and one on a rare Reggie Wayne throw – and has done a nice job of revitalizing his career in Houston. Pollard's bone-crushing hitting ability is enough to make any receiver hear footsteps and flinch just enough for a drop or a missed connection. Garcon has been up and down with his production and still has a lot to learn about dealing with defensive backs.


Edge: Pollard

Freeney recorded one sack and teamed with Robert Mathis for another against Texans quarterback Matt Schaub in the teams' first meeting. The difference this time is that Freeney seems to be hobbled a bit. He has missed two practices this week with a hip problem. Brown is more than familiar with Freeney, and that could even things out if Freeney is less than 100 percent. The Colts re-signed Josh Thomas this week to help a slightly bruised pass-rushing attack.


Edge: Freeney (if healthy)

Johnson caught 10 passes for 103 yards in the team's first meeting, on a day when Schaub threw for 311 yards and a score to running back Ryan Moats. Johnson ranks third in the NFL in receiving yards behind Wayne and the Patriots' Randy Moss. Considering the Texans' running game has been so-so of late, Schaub will be looking to again put up big numbers against the Colts' secondary. There's a chance the Colts might get cornerback Kelvin Hayden back this week, which would be a boost.


Edge: Johnson


The pick: Colts 28, Texans 17.

— By Reggie Hayes