NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Andrew Luck and the Colts topped the Jaguars in week 12 to extend their lead atop the division to two games as the Texans lost to the Bengals. With just five weeks remaining, time is running out for Houston to make its move.
Here's the detailed rundown of how each of the Titans' division rivals fared in week 12.
Indianapolis Colts (7-4)
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The Colts remain unbeaten in the division, but the Jaguars didn't make it easy on Andrew Luck. The 23-3 final score doesn't tell the story of the game.
Luck was under pressure the entire game, sacked five times and hit nine times in all. The Colts QB also lost two fumbles in the first half, three total in the game.
The Colts' defense was just as good, however, holding the Jaguars to three points. Blake Bortles was sacked four times, hit 11 times and threw one interception. Denard Robinson also lost a fumble in what was a horrendous offensive performance for Jacksonville.
Luck finished the game with his most pedestrian numbers in an otherwise MVP-caliber season – 253 passing yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. This was only the second time this season Luck has thrown for less than two scores.
Daniel Herron led the Colts in rushing yards with 65, replacing injured back Ahmad Bradshaw. Trent Richardson added 42 yards and one touchdown.
Week 12 Star: T.Y. Hilton – WR
Sunday was arguably the biggest day of Hilton's life. Not only did the Colts wide receiver catch four passes for a team-high 122 yards and one touchdown, he became a father to a baby girl earlier that morning. On Hilton's 73-yard touchdown catch, the receiver cradled the football in the end zone in honor of his newborn. Congrats to Hilton and his wife.
Week 13 Matchup: vs. Washington Redskins (3-8) – 12:00 p.m. CT
A week 13 contest against RGIII and the reeling Redskins should be another tally in the win column for Indianapolis.
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Houston Texans (5-6)
Sunday wasn't a day to remember for the Texans. Houston lost at home 22-13 to the Cincinnati Bengals and also lost quarterback Ryan Mallett for the season when he injured his pectoral muscle during pregame.
Mallett played through the pain against the Bengals, completing just 21 of his 45 passes for 189 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. The Texans also played without Arian Foster, who missed his second straight game with a groin injury.
Alfred Blue filled in with 16 carries for 46 yards. Garrett Graham led all Texans receivers with 41 yards on an overall anemic offensive day for the Texans.
Even J.J. Watt was quiet on Sunday, recording just seven tackles and one tackle for loss.
Giovanni Bernard returned from a shoulder injury for the Bengals, but rookie Jeremy Hill continued to lead the Bengals running game. Hill racked up 87 yards on 18 carries and one touchdown.
With his ailing toe back to full strength, A.J. Green caught 12 passes for 121 yards against the Texans. Mohamed Sanu added 48 receiving yards and one touchdown. Andy Dalton finished with 233 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Week 12 Star: Johnathan Joseph – CB
Joseph accounted for Houston's only touchdown, intercepting Andy Dalton and returning it 60 yards for the score.
Week 13 Matchup: vs. Tennessee Titans (2-9) – 12:00 p.m. CT
Ryan Fitzpatrick will be back under center for the Texans as these two teams meet for the final time this season.
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Jacksonville Jaguars (1-10)
Similar to the Texans, Jacksonville also struggled to get anything going offensively against the Colts. Blake Bortles finished the game with just 146 passing yards, no touchdowns and one interception. The rookie had only 34 yards at halftime.
Bortles has now thrown for at least one interception in all nine games he's played in this season. Rookie receiver Marqise Lee led the Jaguars with 52 yards receiving and Toby Gerhard led the team in rushing with 31 yards.
Despite the miserable offensive output, Jacksonville's defense gave Andrew Luck all he could handle. The Colts' 23 points marked their third lowest total of the season. Linebacker Telvin Smith led Jacksonville in tackles with 12, including two for a loss.
Week 12 Star: Chris Clemons – DE
Clemons accounted for three of Jacksonville's five sacks of Luck and had six total quarterback hits. He also forced a fumble in the first quarter. Clemons now has seven sacks in his first season with Jacksonville.
Week 13 Matchup: vs. New York Giants (3-8) – 12:00 p.m. CT
Two teams desperate for a win meet in Jacksonville in week 13. The Jaguars have lost four straight with the Giants coming in losers of six straight.
