Two AFC South rivals meet for the second time this season at NRG Stadium, as the Houston Texans will host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The season can’t get over soon enough for the 2-9 Texans. After an offseason full of turmoil, the on-field product has been cringe-worthy. Without any stars on offense and a young defense, the Texans are headed for a high draft pick.
After starting the season off slowly, the Indianapolis Colts have turned things up a notch over the last few weeks. The Colts were hurt by injuries early on, but now that most of their key pieces are back and healthy, they’re playing like a playoff-bound team. At 6-6, the Colts can’t afford too many more losses if they want to be playing in the postseason. With that being said, let’s take a closer look at the upcoming match Colts versus Texans so you can make your bets against their NFL odds.
NFL Betting Preview for Indianapolis Colts at Houston
Houston Texans Analysis
After losing to a Jets team that has struggled all season as well, the Texans draw the Indianapolis Colts. The Texans’ offense has been one of the worst offenses in the league this season. They’re averaging just under 15 points per game. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who missed a good portion of the season with a hamstring injury, doesn’t have many offensive weapons in his arsenal. Wide receiver Brandin Cooks has just over 700 yards receiving, but other than Cooks, the Texans don’t have a go-to guy out wide or in the backfield.
Defensively, the Texans just over 26 points per game. They’re a young squad led by defensive coordinator Lovie Smith, and over time, this unit should improve. They’ll have a lot of work to do this offseason
Indianapolis Colts Analysis
At 6-6, the Colts are right b ack in the thick of the AFC playoff hunt. They’re currently in second place in the AFC South behind the Tennessee Titans. The Colts have arguably the best running back in the game in Jonathan Taylor. Taylor has over 1200 yards rushing with 14 touchdowns. Taylor is also a huge threat to come out of the backfield and catch passes. Quarterback Carson Wentz has shaken off a slow start and has been very productive over the past few weeks. Wentz has thrown for nearly 2800 yards with 21 touchdowns and just five interceptions.
The main reason the Colts’ offense has been really good this season is because of their offensive line. They could be the best offensive line in football, and they have done a great job of creating holes for Taylor and protecting Wentz. It’s hard to average over 30 points per game if your offensive line isn’t a solid unit.
Prediction
The Colts are a nine-point favorite heading into Houston on Sunday. The Colts are 4-0 against the spread in their last four road contests. Even though the Colts lost last week to the Buccaneers, they put up a very good fight and had chances to win. The Colts are a better team than the Texans and they’ll show it on Sunday. The Colts win the game and cover the nine-point spread.