The Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans have a lot in common. Both teams represent the AFC South Division, both have a rookie quarterback under center and both feature a first-year NFL head coach.
Not to mention, both teams got off to 0-1 starts in Week 1 of the 2023 regular season. Now, they both will look to right the ship in an early-season divisional battle.
Colts vs Texans Odds
NFL odds used for this Indianapolis vs Houston preview were found at DraftKings Sportsbook and are current as of date and time ET.
- Moneyline: Colts (-115) • Texans (-105)
- Spread: Colts -1 (-110) • Texans +1 (-105)
- Total Points: Over 39.5 (-110) • Under 39.5 (-110)
- Implied Score: Colts 20.25, Texans 19.25
Colts vs Texans Predictions
Score Pick: Colts 17, Texans 10
Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson looked impressive in his debut but suffered knee/ankle injuries late in their Week 1 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Be sure to keep an eye on the injury report this week, but head coach Shane Steichen said he is fine.
The Texans failed to score a touchdown in C.J. Stroud’s NFL debut. Despite a lackluster offensive performance, the defense recorded four sacks and forced multiple turnovers.
While both quarterbacks showed flashes of what made them such highly-touted prospects in this year’s NFL Draft, they also showed they have a long way to go in terms of their development.
With the amount of inexperience on both sides, this game has all the makings of a defensive slugfest.
Colts vs Texans Best Bets & Props
Under 39.5 (-110)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 2 units
Even with Stroud struggling against the Baltimore Ravens, the defense did their part to keep things close. Will Anderson Jr. showed exactly why the Texans traded up to the No. 3 overall pick to select him. He was giving Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense problems all day, recording six total tackles and a sack. Expect him to wreak havoc yet again and make life difficult for Anthony Richardson.
Despite giving up 31 points, the Colts defense didn’t make things easy for Trevor Lawrence and the Jags. Lawrence got sacked twice and threw an interception while running back Tank Bigsby coughed up a fumble. Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner scooped up Bigsby’s fumble and returned it for a touchdown.
Both teams are going to rely on their defenses to get their young quarterbacks out of some sticky situations, which makes this my NFL bet of the day.
Colts: 11-20 Points (+140)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
The Colts scored 21 points against the Jags, but seven of those points came from a defensive touchdown. The offensive unit looked stagnant at times with their inability to consistently extend drives and it was clear that they were still getting accustomed to Shane Steichen’s offensive scheme.
The Colts were also missing their All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor, who is not eligible to return to play until Week 5 (if he is ready to return then).
A new quarterback, new coach/scheme, and lack of dynamic playmakers beyond Anthony Richardson and Michael Pittman Jr. against what looks like an improved defense puts the Colts in a tough position to eclipse the 20-point threshold.
Texans Under 1.5 Touchdowns (+160)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: .5 units
The Texans offense averaged 3.7 yards per play against the Ravens in Week 1 and now faces another talented defensive group.
The offensive line looked like a disaster in their first game without tackle Tytus Howard. His absence showed exactly why the Texans signed him to a three-year, $56 million contract extension to keep with the franchise through 2026.
Outside of veteran wide receiver Robert Woods, there are several young and unproven players in the Texans pass-catching group. It is tough to envision where/if the offensive production will come from for this team.
Colts vs Texans Same Game Parlay
Colts vs Texans SGP (+245)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.5 units
- Colts (-115)
- Under 39.5 (-110)
Per Odds Shark, the last five meetings between these two teams have gone under the expected total when the Texans are at home against the Colts. The Texans have also lost seven straight home games and 11 of their last 13 total games dating back to last season.
There is a reason why this team had the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft.
Richardson was widely regarded as the rawest of the quarterback prospects selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft yet looked like the most NFL-ready player of the bunch in Week 1. Bet on the Colts to pull out a low-scoring affair.
