HOUSTON (Ticker) -- After a disappointing loss, the Indianapolis Colts again try to capture the AFC South Division on Sunday when they meet the Houston Texans.
The Colts failed in their first bid to win the division title last Sunday, suffering a 31-17 loss at home to the Denver Broncos.
It was a porous defensive effort for the Colts, who surrendered 465 total yards, including 227 on the ground. Indianapolis also had the ball for less than 16 minutes.
Now the Colts, whose last division title came in 1999 when they won the AFC East, need a victory here or a loss by Tennessee to Tampa Bay to secure the South title.
Last week's loss ensured that the Colts could not receive a first-round bye in the playoffs.
Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, who completed just 12-of-23 passes for 146 yards against the Broncos, has won all three of his career starts against the Texans.
On October 26, Manning threw three touchdowns in a three-minute span late in the second quarter and early in the third as the Colts rallied for a 30-21 triumph over the Texans.
Colts Pro Bowl receiver Marvin Harrison needs eight receptions to reach 100 catches for the fifth straight season. He has 92 catches for 1,238 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Trying to play the role of spoiler, the Texans nearly gave the Colts the division title last Sunday. But they squandered a late lead in a 27-24 loss to Tennessee.
David Carr returned against Tennessee after missing three games with a shoulder injury and completed 17-of-34 passes for 242 yards and one touchdown with two interceptions.
Houston has lost three straight and four of its last five games. The Texans also finished poorly in their inaugural campaign, when they lost four of their last five games en route to a 4-12 campaign.
