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 a Houston Texans vs Indianapolis Colts 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.
Houston Texans vs Indianapolis Colts 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.