One game each NFL team can’t afford to lose in 2020
Houston Texans
Week 15 – Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts
The Houston Texans won the AFC South a season ago after the presumptive champs, the Indianapolis Colts, had to scramble to replace their franchise quarterback Andrew Luck just before the season started. That will not happen in 2020 and the Texans will be in a dogfight to the very end with the Colts, now under the leadership of future Hall of Famer Philip Rivers.
If the Texans can account for the loss of All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins, they could still find themselves in a position to win the division crown on the back of superstar quarterback Deshaun Watson and former Defensive Player of the Year JJ Watt.
And that means that winning on the road is the biggest game on the slate for the Texans. In the last year of the rookie contract for their franchise quarterback – regressing in year four would be a nightmare for Houston.
Indianapolis Colts
Week 13 – Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans
Inversely, the Indianapolis Colts bet big on their core this offseason – bringing in Rivers at the end of his long NFL Career, and trading first round draft pick for defensive tackle DeForrest Buckner. The team also drafted running back Jonathan Taylor in the second round, who should carry the load for the running game while allowing Marlon Mack to be in relief duty.
So, the Colts should be in a position to return to their 2018 form. If they do, they’ll win the AFC South and host a playoff game. If they do not, it will likely be due to an inability of Rivers to perform in a big game – on the road, against a good defense, in a big division game, late in the season. We’ve seen this tune before.
If the gamble made on Rivers is going to pay off – the song must change this time.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 6 – Detroit Lions @ Jacksonville Jaguars
We’re not alone in thinking that the Jacksonville Jaguars could be in prime position to land quarterback Trevor Lawrence or Justin Fields at the very top of the 2021 Draft. Nonetheless, no team enters the season hoping to be the worst team in football.
If the Jaguars are to avoid that fate this year, the team must win home games against teams that are as bad (or close), otherwise they’ll certainly be picking number one next April.
That’s what makes their Week 6 tilt with the Detroit Lions so important, and a must-win for the Jags. If the team loses this one – it’s goodbye Garnder Minshew, and hello new franchise QB.