Colts look to Houston for big game

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck is heading home to Houston for the biggest game in his young pro career.

"It's fun to be in the thick of things and sort of playing for something, playing for meaningful something,” Luck said.

And it’s an unexpectedly meaningful game. Houston's Monday night loss leaves the door open for the Colts to take back a title they owned for a decade, and a whole lot quicker than anyone ever imagined.

"We've been putting in a lot of work and doing a lot of things right,” added linebacker Pat Angerer. “We've got the right guys in the building and the right guys to push us, but the thing that's kind of intriguing, but we really haven't played our best football yet. We've still got a lot to improve on and lets hope we get it this week."

Veteran pass rusher Robert Mathis thinks it’s been a remarkable turnaround.

"Yeah, but you've got to take care of every game each and every time. You can't look ahead at the goal at the end, you have to do whatever you can,” he said.

What they can do and have done is win the close ones. The team has had eight one-possession victories to get them to the brink of the post-season — something not lost on those who've played in big December games, and those who haven't.

"I figured this would be a regular thing, growing up, this was a regular thing for the Colts so I think we're right where we wanted to be, but we've got to win some more games though," said second year lineman Anthony Castonzo.

"I think it's big though, the fact that we're in this position, and this is what you play for,” added Dwight Freeney. “You've worked hard in the off-season, and all those who don't believe in you, it's great to throw it in their face and say look, we can still win games."

Playoff seeding and scenarios are coming into focus for the Colts. A win in Houston earns them a playoff bid and keeps the AFC South title in play. A Texans win gives the Texans their second straight divisional title against the team that owned them. It’s yet another big December game for a franchise that’s used to playing in them.