Indianapolis Colts (3-2) at Houston Texans (3-2)

Thursday, 8:25 p.m. ET, at RNG Stadium, Houston – TV: CBS

*TV announcers: Jim Nantz, Phil Simms, Tracy Wolfson

*Keys to the game: That stat sheet and NFL leaderboard show there is very little Colts QB Andrew Luck is incapable of, but the Texans are in position to prove there is one flaw to be exposed — he can’t block for himself. The Colts are mixing enough of a running game to keep teams from solely playing drop cover-2. Texans defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel will disguise three- and four-man fronts designed to tempt offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton to hand the ball to Ahmad Bradshaw and Trent Richardson.

Luck has co-No. 1 receivers in Reggie Wayne and T.Y. Hilton, who had a career game with three TD catches the last time he played in Houston, but his safety net is becoming TE Dwayne Allen. Luck, who is from Houston, has only one interception in four career meetings. But the Texans lead the NFL with 12 takeaways.

The Texans want to protect QB Ryan Fitzpatrick in another way — by keeping the game close and not asking him to match Luck throw-for-throw. While coach Bill O’Brien admits he must guard against playing it too safe and digging a first-half deficit, it’s not in his nature to go great guns. Fitzpatrick will lean on RB Arian Foster, who has averaged 125.3 yards rushing in six games against the Colts. He averages 6.6 yards a carry and has scored six touchdowns in the matchup.

*Matchup to watch – Texans CB Johnathan Joseph vs. Hilton: Joseph covers the receiver the Texans believe is the biggest threat, and he will also see plenty of Wayne. Hilton has the most speed. Joseph is still the Texans’ fastest corner among the top three. Joseph has been involved in four turnovers — two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

*Player spotlight – Texans DE J.J. Watt: A clear athletic advantage against Gosder Cherilus means Watt will see two and sometimes three Colts between him and Luck. Watt has five sacks in six career games and draws attention to free backside rushers to reach Luck first.

*Fast facts: Luck is on pace for 5,174 yards and 45 TDs. … In 19 career games against the Colts, Texans WR Andre Johnson has 118 catches for 1,522 yards and nine touchdowns. … The Colts lead the all-time series 20-4.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

Finally, a Thursday Night Football game that keeps the clicker idle into the fourth quarter. Luck’s late-game heroics should not be downplayed in a stadium where Adam Vinatieri kicked a Super Bowl-winner (vs. Carolina).

*Our pick: Texans 28-25