We’ll be treated to an AFC South clash when the Houston Texans take on the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Sept. 9 to begin the NFL season.
This division came down to the final game of the 2023 campaign, when Houston defeated Indianapolis — on the road — to clinch a playoff berth.
The two will have their first rematch in Week 1 under vastly different circumstances. The pressure is on the Texans to deliver, but will they be able to avoid the upset?
Texans vs Colts Odds
NFL odds are current as of Thursday, Sept. 5, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Texans (-148) vs Colts (+124)
- Spread: Texans -3 (-105) vs Colts +3 (-115)
- Over/Under: Over 48.5 (-112) / Under 48.5 (-108)
Texans vs Colts Prediction
Texans 31, Colts 21
Houston is coming into the year with high expectations. Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud carried the team to its first playoff appearance since 2019 last year, and after adding star wideout Stefon Diggs in the offseason, the Texans look like a sleeper Super Bowl candidate.
They’ll certainly be challenged throughout the season, and that begins with a tough Week 1 matchup in Indianapolis. Anthony Richardson, the third quarterback taken in the 2023 NFL Draft, is back under center after an injury prematurely ended his rookie campaign in Week 5.
The Colts will put their fair share of points up on the board, but few teams had an answer for this Houston offense last year, and this team has only improved since then. I’m looking for the Texans to pull away late in a high-scoring season-opener.
Sportsbook Play of the Day
Texans vs Colts Best Bets
Texans -3 (-105) @ Colts
I expect the Texans and Colts to be competitive in their matchups this season, but it could take some time for Indianapolis to reach its full potential. The pieces are there, but I need to see them get some more reps before I give them a chance to upset Houston.
Indianapolis also struggled to protect home field in 2023, going 4-5 outright at Lucas Oil Stadium, while the Texans went 5-3 against the spread in road games during the regular season.
Signs point to Houston covering as 3-point favorites. Lock in Stroud’s side with your NFL bet of the day.
Over 48.5 Points (-112)
The Colts were one of the most Over-heavy teams in the NFL last season, with the Under hitting in just six out of 17 games. The Texans were on the other end of the spectrum, but with a new-look offense featuring Diggs and Joe Mixon, that should change in 2024.
This is one of the higher projected totals for Week 1 of the NFL season, but I’m not budging. The Over is the way to go at 48.5 points.