Who Will Be the 'X' Factor in the Battle for the AFC South--J.J. Watt, Andrew Luck or...?

Prior to the start of the season tonight's Colts/Texans looked like it would be real stinker, but after the start both teams have had it appears that this could be the kind of marquee match-up the network execs have been dreaming about.Having two potential MVP candidates--Houston's J.J, Watt and Indianapolis' Andrew Luck--on the field certainly will not hurt ratings either.

As much as the game is a team sport let's be real here people--the game is going to come down to how well those two guys play.

via Bleacher Report

On paper the two teams match up well meaning that something or someone has to be the 'X' factor. Indianapolis passes well, but has a suspect running game. Houston runs well, but fans cringe whenever Ryan Fitzpatrick drops back to pass.

The Colts defense has been fairly good overall, but does not really excel at anything. The Texans defense gives up some yards, but are among the best at keeping teams out of the end zone.

Something has to tip the scales in the favor of one.

For the Texans it will be J.J Watt. The man is putting pressure on quarterbacks at an unheard of pace so far this season. With Luck being the catalyst for the Colts if he can contain him the Indianapolis offense will have a hard time getting on track.

If the Colts offense can't get on track Arian Foster will have all the time in the world to run the ball down the Colts defense's collective throat and the Texans will walk away winners.

The trick will be containing Luck of course.

While not known for being a runner in college Luck has been quire adept at making timely scrambles throughout his career to keep drives going and even score. He doesn't always look the best or fastest when he is on the run, but you can't argue with the results.

Luck is a gamer that excels at getting the job done when he's needed most.

So--whose going to win the battle for the AFC South?

It might actually come down to who doesn't lose it. With the issues the Colts have had on the offensive line they are not going to be able to slow Watt down. He is going to get to Luck and disrupt the Indianapolis offense.

The real X factor in the game is going to be Ryan Fitzpatrick. With the Texans defense limiting the Colts on offense the key to the game is going to be not giving Luck any additional opportunities via turnovers.

If Fitzie can go interception free the day will likely belong to the Texans.

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