Indianapolis Colts (0-0) vs Houston Texans (0-0)
Game Info: Sunday, September 8, 2024 at 1:00 pm (Lucas Oil Stadium)
Betting Odds: Indianapolis Colts +2.5 / Houston Texans -2.5 --- Over/Under: 49.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts meet Sunday in NFL week 1 action at Lucas Oil Stadium. Here’s a Houston Texans vs Indianapolis Colts Prediction. This article will include a Houston Texans vs Indianapolis Colts Pick.
Houston Texans Betting Preview
The Houston Texans were the surprise team in the NFL last season, going from 3 wins in 2022 to 10 wins. The Texans won’t catch anyone by surprise this season in the second year under coach DeMeco Ryans. The Texans look to make the playoffs in back-to-back years for the first time since 2018-19. Quarterback C.J. Stroud has become a star rather quickly, and the Houston offense has new talent around him with the additions of running back Joe Mixon and wide receiver Stefon Diggs. It wouldn’t be shocking to see the Texans have a top-10 offense this season.
Defensively, there are a lot of moving parts and it could take some adjusting. The addition of Danielle Hunter bolsters the defensive line and should take some attention off of Will Anderson. Losing Denzel Perryman and Blake Cashman doesn’t help the back end, and does create potential playing time for rookies Kamari Lassiter and Calen Bullock. Overall, the Texans have quickly become an exciting team that went from bottom feeder to dark horse Super Bowl contender in no time. The Texans will play against the Bears and Vikings following this game.
Indianapolis Colts Betting Preview
The Indianapolis Colts won 9 games last season and entered the second year under coach Shane Steichen. There are legit expectations on the Colts this season, considering they almost made the playoffs without their starting quarterback. Anthony Richardson is healthy this time around and brings legit playmaking ability to the offense. Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs are a terrific receiving duo and Adonai Mitchell is an intriguing rookie. The Colts offensive line is above average and Jonathan Taylor is arguably the best running back in the league.
Defensively, the Colts have an elite defensive line led by Kwity Paye and DeForest Buckner, while the secondary is good enough to get by. The addition of Raekwon Davis only improves the depth and makes things scarier. The Colts have questions at linebacker, but overall this should be a fun team that could make a playoff run if health is on their side, mainly at quarterback.
Why the Houston Texans will win
- The Texans have won each of their last eight road games against AFC South opponents on a losing streak.
- The Colts have lost nine of their last 10 season openers.
- The Colts have failed to cover the spread in each of their last nine Week 1 games.
- The Texans have covered the spread in nine of their last 10 road games against AFC South opponents.
- The favorites have won the first half in 10 of the Colts' last 12 games.
- The Colts have lost the first quarter in four of their last five games against AFC opponents.
Indianapolis Colts Player Prop Facts
- Jonathan Taylor has scored the first touchdown in five of his last six appearances.
- Jonathan Taylor has scored at least one touchdown in seven of his last eight appearances.
- Jonathan Taylor has recorded 104+ rushing and receiving yards in each of his last three home appearances against AFC opponents.
- Jonathan Taylor has recorded 75+ rushing yards in each of his last five appearances at Lucas Oil Stadium.
- Josh Downs has recorded 43+ receiving yards in each of the Colts' last five Sunday home games.
- Jonathan Taylor was the only Colts player to record a touchdown in six consecutive appearances last season (including playoffs).
Houston Texans Player Prop Facts
- Joe Mixon has scored at least one touchdown in 10 of his last 11 regular season appearances against AFC South opponents.
- Stefon Diggs has recorded 60+ receiving yards in each of his last nine September appearances with his team as a favorite.
- Joe Mixon has recorded 56+ rushing yards in eight of his last nine regular-season road appearances.
- Stefon Diggs has recorded 62+ rushing and receiving yards in each of his last seven September appearances.
- C.J. Stroud recorded the most passing yards in a single game last season (470 vs Buccaneers, Week 9).
Matchup/League Facts
- The Colts ranked 28th in the NFL in points allowed per game (24.4) last season.
- The Colts ranked 5th in the NFL in sacks (51.0) last season.
- Last season, the Texans held the best record of any AFC South winner since the 2021 season (10-7-0).
- The Texans ranked 31st in the NFL in Q3 opponent points per game (6.4) last season.
Houston Texans vs Indianapolis Colts Prediction
I strongly considered the Colts and the points at home because I do believe they have explosive potential and could be a tough team all year. However, I need an extra half point or two to pull the trigger. Under a field goal, I'll just side with the better team and take my chances. Also, since December 2021, the road team is 4-0-1 SU in games between the Texans and Colts. I'd also consider the over, with both teams having above-average offenses on paper. There should be points at Lucas Oil Stadium. Still, I'll lay the small number with the Texans on the road.
Randy’s Pick Houston Texans -2.5
AUTHOR: Randy Chambers
Mitch's Take...
