Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans: Opening Odds

Opening Odds and Predictions for Colts vs. Texans

At the midway of the Houston Texans’ quest for the franchise’s first Lombardi Trophy, they stand 5-2, licking their wounds from a narrow defeat up north against the Green Bay Packers. Despite the defeat, Houston is off to it’s best start since 2012 and showed some serious moxie on defense. Backup linebackers Neville Hewitt and Jake Hansen put up an admirable effort, and even though Calen Bullock had a rough day overall, he nabbed his third interception of the year! Although, the newly found wart of an ugly passing game from Stroud was truly a ghastly sight, and in the unlikeliest of all places! The offensive line didn’t help his case, giving up four sacks and 11 hurries against Green Bay’s defense.

Returning home, the Texans will face the 4-3 Indianapolis Colts, fresh off a putrid victory against the sloppy Miami Dolphins. Despite quarterback Anthony Richardson’s return, the Colts had the lowest scoring game since week two when the lost to, coincidentally, the Green Bay Packers, as well. Star running back Jonathan Taylor has the potential of returning for this game, which could tip the scales in Indy’s favor. No matter how bad Richardson may be at throwing, the two-headed rushing attack of him and Taylor gives me nightmares.

The Line: Texans -6.5

With how many close games the Houston Texans have had this year already, I wouldn’t bet on such a comfortable victory against a 4-3 Indianapolis Colts team. Not to say Anthony Richardson looked particularly deadly last Sunday when his team managed just one touchdown drive against the Dolphins, but I wouldn’t look past a division opponent looking to even the head-to-head matchup. He’s going to be desperate, and if Jonathan Taylor is healthy, it could get messy. I’d say we win by a field goal.

Moneyline: Texans -280

You would need to wager 280 dollars to win 100 out of this game, and…that’s bait. Knowing the Texans and their adoration of field goals, I don’t see them running away with this game, but I still wouldn’t bet on the Colts winning.

Although, Houston has only swept Indy just once before, and it was the 2016 Brock Osweiler Texans of all teams. As unlikely as it is for Anthony Richardson to dramatically improve his passing efficiency, it’s similarly unlikely for the Texans to win this one at all.

Over/Under: 46.5

Houston was 1.5 points under last week, and I can see that happening again. After Joe Mixon’s performance in Green Bay, I can see Slowik feeding him the pill until his legs fall off. That’ll mean the time of possession will look awesome, but the score will look like a battle of field goals. At some point, I expect the standard C.J. Stroud offense to return, but not this weekend.

My Prediction: Texans 27, Colts 23

This is a game that will never truly be in doubt, but it won’t be a dramatic success. CJ Stroud and the Texans offense will have a solid first half, which will then be countered with a lot of Joe Mixon in the third and fourth quarters. Stefon Diggs will have a big game and the Texans defense will feast on a confused Richardson, who will still manage a few frustrating field goal drives with his scrambling. However, the difference this game will be Mixon, who will choke the life out of Indy with a few killer rushes towards the end of the game.

What do you think, though? Will the Texans struggle against the Colts, or will they make them look like the New England Patriots? Man, is it weird thinking off the Patriots as a bad team! Let us know in the comments below!

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