Indianapolis Colts (4-3) vs. Houston Texans (5-2)
October 27, 2024 1:00 pm EDT
The Line: Houston Texans -6; Over/Under: +47.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Indianapolis Colts and the Houston Texans meet in week 8 NFL action from NRG Stadium on Sunday afternoon. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s an Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans prediction.
Indianapolis Colts Recap
The Indianapolis Colts come into this one looking to build on back-to-back wins and a 4-3 record after a 16-10 win over the Miami Dolphins last time out. After this game, Indianapolis will head on the road for a matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.
Colts Trying To Keep Pace In AFC South
Anthony Richardson has thrown for 783 yards, 3 touchdowns and 6 interceptions on 48.5% passing while also rushing for 197 yards and a TD. Joe Flacco has thrown for 716 yards, 7 TDs and an interception on 65.7% passing. Jonathan Taylor has a team-high 349 rushing yards and 4 TDs while Alec Pierce leads the Colts’ receiving group with 383 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns while Michael Pittman Jr. has 28 receptions for 336 yards and 2 TDs and Josh Downs has 27 receptions for 242 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns as well. On defense, Zaire Franklin has a team-high 76 total tackles. As a team, the Colts’ defense has put up 14 sacks and 4 interceptions so far this season.
Why the Indianapolis Colts will win
- The Colts have won four of their last five games as road underdogs against the Texans.
- The Texans have lost each of their last four home games against AFC South opponents on a winning streak.
- The road team has covered the spread in each of the Colts’ last nine Week 8 games.
- The Texans have failed to cover the spread in each of their last nine games as favorites following a road loss.
Houston Texans Recap
The Houston Texans come into this game looking to bounce back from a 24-22 loss to Green Bay last time out to drop to 5-2 on the year. After this game, Houston will head on the road for a matchup against the New York Jets.
Texans Looking To Keep Atop AFC South Mountain
C.J. Stroud has thrown for 1,663 yards, 10 touchdowns and 4 interceptions on 66.4% passing while Joe Mixon has a team-high 401 rushing yards and Cam Akers has 147 rushing yards as well on the year. Nico Collins has 32 receptions for 567 yards and 3 touchdowns while Stefon Diggs has a team-high 42 grabs for 415 yards and 3 TDs as well on the year. Three more Texans have 150+ receiving yards on the year. On defense, Henry To’oTo’o has a team-high 46 total tackles while Azeez Al-Shakir has 40 total tackles including a team-high 28 solo tackles. Will Anderson Jr. has a team-high 6.5 sacks while Danielle Hunter has 3.5 sacks. Calen Bullock also has 3 interceptions on the year. Houston’s defense as a whole has combined for 22 sacks and 7 interceptions this season.
Why the Houston Texans will win
- The Texans have won each of their last eight games following a loss.
- The Colts have lost each of their last eight games as moderate underdogs (+3.5 to +7.0 points).
- The Texans have covered the spread in six of their last seven games in October.
- The Colts have failed to cover the spread in four of their last five Week 8 games.
Colts vs. Texans Prediction
I’m on the Texans here. It’s a big number for a division game, but even with back-to-back wins, I haven’t loved what I’ve seen from Anthony Richardson as he’s got a sub-50% completion percentage on the year and there’s only so long that you can get away with that before it comes back to bite you. The Texans have a defense that gets after it, and I think that Stroud and co. at home can expose the Colts here. Give me Houston.
