Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 10/27/2024 1:00 PM EST

We have your Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Indianapolis Colts hit the road to face the Houston Texans.

Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Indianapolis Colts +200 (BetMGM) / Houston Texans -218 (DraftKings)
Best Spread Odds: -5.0 - Indianapolis Colts -110 (bet365) / Houston Texans -110 (bet365)
Best Total Odds: 46.0 - Under -110 (bet365) / Over -110 (bet365)

Game Info

Date: 10/27/2024
Time: 1:00 PM EST
Location: NRG Stadium (Houston, TX)
TV: CBS

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the past two seasons, the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts have faced each other three times, with the Texans winning two of those matchups and the Colts securing one victory. Notably, all three games were won by the visiting team, highlighting a trend of road success in this series. Against the spread, the Colts have covered twice, while the Texans have covered once. In terms of scoring, the games have gone over the total points line twice and under once, indicating a tendency towards higher-scoring affairs. The Texans have been the favorite in two of these matchups, while the Colts were favored once. The games have been competitive, with the final score spread being relatively close in each contest.

The most recent encounter between these teams took place on September 8, 2024, when the Houston Texans narrowly defeated the Indianapolis Colts 29-27. The Texans, playing as the visiting team, managed to cover the spread despite being the underdog with a closing spread of +3.0. Houston's offense was effective, accumulating 417 total yards compared to the Colts' 303 yards. The Texans' ground game was particularly strong, with 213 rushing yards on 40 attempts, while their passing attack was efficient, completing 75% of passes for 234 yards. C.J. Stroud connected with Stefon Diggs for two touchdowns, contributing significantly to the Texans' victory. On the other hand, the Colts' offense was more explosive in terms of yards per play, averaging 7.0 yards, but they were unable to capitalize on this efficiency to secure a win.

In the previous two matchups, the Colts and Texans each had a victory. On January 6, 2024, the Texans won 23-19 in Indianapolis, covering the spread as the underdog. The game went under the total points line, with the Texans' defense allowing only 17 points. Earlier in the 2023 season, on September 17, the Colts defeated the Texans 31-20 in Houston, covering the spread as the favorite. This game went over the total points line, with the Colts' rushing attack proving dominant, amassing 126 yards and three touchdowns. These past performances set the stage for another intriguing matchup as the teams prepare to face off again.

Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans Preview

The Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans are set to clash in a pivotal AFC South showdown at NRG Stadium. The Texans, currently leading the division with a 5-2 record, are looking to solidify their position at the top, while the Colts, at 4-3, aim to close the gap and potentially tie for the division lead with a victory. This matchup marks the second meeting between these teams this season, with the Texans having edged out a narrow 29-27 win in their Week 1 encounter.

Houston enters this game following a tough loss to the Green Bay Packers, a game that snapped their three-game winning streak. Despite the setback, the Texans have been formidable at home, boasting a 10-3 record at NRG Stadium since last year with quarterback C.J. Stroud at the helm. Stroud, who had a challenging outing against the Packers, will be eager to bounce back and lead his team to victory. The Texans' offense has been bolstered by the strong performances of running back Joe Mixon, who has been a key contributor in their ground game, particularly against a Colts defense that has struggled to contain the run, allowing an average of 134.8 rushing yards per game.

On the other side, the Colts are riding a wave of momentum after securing back-to-back wins, including a recent victory over the Miami Dolphins. However, they face a daunting task against a Texans team that has historically performed well in this matchup. The Colts' offense, led by sophomore quarterback Anthony Richardson, has shown flashes of brilliance but has also been inconsistent, particularly in the passing game. Richardson's ability to connect on big plays will be crucial if the Colts hope to keep pace with the Texans' potent attack.

Injury concerns loom large for both teams. The Colts are hopeful for the return of key players like running back Jonathan Taylor and defensive lineman DeForest Buckner, both of whom have been limited in practice due to ankle injuries. Meanwhile, the Texans are monitoring the status of several defensive starters, including cornerback Kamari Lassiter and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, as they aim to field a full-strength lineup.

With the division lead at stake, this game promises to be a tightly contested affair. The Texans' home-field advantage and recent success against the Colts position them as favorites, but the Colts' resilience and potential return of key players could make for an intriguing battle. As both teams vie for supremacy in the AFC South, fans can expect a hard-fought contest that could have significant implications for the playoff race.

Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans Pick: Houston Texans Moneyline

The Houston Texans are poised to secure a victory against the Indianapolis Colts in their Week 8 matchup, and the moneyline pick for the Texans is well-supported by several compelling factors. First and foremost, the Texans have demonstrated a strong home-field advantage, boasting a 10-3 record at NRG Stadium since last year with quarterback C.J. Stroud leading the charge. This impressive home performance is further underscored by their average win margin of 11.0 points in those victories, showcasing their ability to dominate opponents on their turf.

Additionally, the Texans have already proven their mettle against the Colts this season, having edged out a narrow 29-27 victory in their Week 1 encounter. In that game, Houston's offense was particularly effective, outgaining the Colts by 114 yards and maintaining possession for twice as long. The Texans' ground game, led by running back Joe Mixon, was a key factor in their success, and with the Colts' defense allowing an average of 134.8 rushing yards per game, Houston's rushing attack is likely to be a decisive element once again.

While the Colts have shown resilience with back-to-back wins, their inconsistency, particularly in the passing game, remains a concern. Sophomore quarterback Anthony Richardson has struggled with accuracy, completing just 48.8% of his passes since their last meeting with the Texans. This inconsistency, coupled with the Texans' ability to exploit the Colts' defensive vulnerabilities, positions Houston as the stronger team in this matchup.

Injury concerns also play a role in this prediction. The Texans are monitoring the status of several defensive starters, but their depth and recent signing of former first-round pick Devin White provide additional support. Meanwhile, the Colts are hopeful for the return of key players like Jonathan Taylor and DeForest Buckner, but their limited practice participation raises questions about their readiness for Sunday's game.

With the division lead at stake and the Texans' proven track record at home, Houston is well-positioned to secure a victory over the Colts. The combination of their home-field advantage, effective rushing attack, and the Colts' ongoing struggles make the Texans the favored choice for the moneyline pick.

Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans Top Player Prop Picks

Joe Mixon Over 76.5 Rushing Yards -110 (BetMGM)

Joe Mixon has been a pivotal force in the Texans' ground game, and his performance will be crucial against a Colts defense that has struggled to contain the run. The Colts are allowing an average of 134.8 rushing yards per game, ranking them 29th in the NFL. Mixon has already demonstrated his ability to exploit this weakness, having run for 159 yards and a touchdown in their Week 1 matchup. With the Texans' offensive line providing solid support and Mixon's proven track record against Indianapolis, betting on him to surpass 76.5 rushing yards seems a strong proposition.

C.J. Stroud Over 240.5 Passing Yards -110 (bet365)

C.J. Stroud is poised for a bounce-back performance after a challenging game against the Packers. Despite the setback, Stroud has been effective at home, leading the Texans to a 10-3 record at NRG Stadium. In their previous encounter with the Colts, Stroud threw for 234 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his ability to dissect their defense. With the Colts' secondary potentially weakened by injuries and Stroud's determination to rebound, the over on 240.5 passing yards is a compelling choice.

Anthony Richardson Under 186.5 Passing Yards -109 (bet365)

Anthony Richardson has faced difficulties in the passing game, completing just 48.8% of his passes since the last meeting with the Texans. The Texans' defense, despite some injury concerns, has been effective in limiting opposing quarterbacks, and Richardson's inconsistency could be further exposed. In their Week 1 matchup, Richardson relied on a few big plays to stay competitive, but with the Texans likely to adjust their defensive strategy, expecting him to fall short of 186.5 passing yards is a reasonable prediction.