Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 9/8/2024 1:00 PM EST

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

Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Houston Texans -152 (FanDuel) / Indianapolis Colts +143 (Caesars)
Best Spread Odds: 2.5 - Houston Texans -118 (DraftKings) / Indianapolis Colts -102 (DraftKings)
Best Total Odds: 48.5 - Under -115 (ESPN BET) / Over -105 (ESPN BET)

Game Info

Date: 9/8/2024
Time: 1:00 PM EST
Location: Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN)
TV: CBS

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the past two seasons, the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts have faced each other four times, with the Texans emerging victorious in three of those encounters. The games have been evenly split between home and away victories, with the visiting team winning three times and the home team securing just one win. In terms of betting outcomes, the Texans have covered the spread in three of the four games, while the Colts have managed to do so only once. The total score has gone over the set line twice and under twice, indicating a balanced trend in scoring outcomes. These matchups have showcased a variety of game dynamics, with both teams experiencing different levels of success in rushing and passing, as well as in their defensive performances.

The most recent game between these two teams took place on January 6, 2024, where the Houston Texans defeated the Indianapolis Colts with a final score of 23-19. The Texans were the underdogs with a closing spread of +1.5, yet they managed to win both the game and against the spread. The game saw the Texans take an early lead with a 75-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud to Nico Collins, followed by another touchdown pass to Andrew Beck. The Colts responded with a strong rushing performance, highlighted by a 49-yard touchdown run by Jonathan Taylor. Despite the Colts' efforts, including a safety at the end of the game, the Texans maintained their lead, aided by a 51-yard field goal from Ka'imi Fairbairn and a rushing touchdown by Devin Singletary. The Texans' defense held firm, allowing only one touchdown and a few field goals, while the Colts struggled on third downs, converting just one out of eleven attempts.

In terms of individual game statistics, the Texans accumulated 306 total yards with an average of 5.5 yards per play, while the Colts managed 360 total yards at 5.8 yards per play. The Texans' passing game was efficient, with C.J. Stroud completing 20 of 26 attempts for 264 yards and two touchdowns, without any interceptions. On the ground, however, the Texans struggled, averaging just over two yards per carry. The Colts, on the other hand, excelled in rushing, amassing 227 yards on 37 attempts, but their passing game was less effective, with a completion rate of just over 54%. Penalties were a significant factor, with the Texans committing 11 for 69 yards, compared to the Colts' 3 penalties for 14 yards. Despite these challenges, the Texans' ability to capitalize on key plays and maintain defensive pressure contributed to their victory.

Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts Preview

The Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts are set to clash in a highly anticipated Week 1 matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium. Both teams are eager to start the 2024 NFL season on a high note, with the Texans looking to build on their recent success and the Colts aiming to overcome their Week 1 struggles. The Texans, led by quarterback C.J. Stroud, are coming off a season where they clinched the AFC South title and made a surprising playoff run. Stroud, who was named Offensive Rookie of the Year, has developed a strong rapport with his receiving corps, including the newly acquired Stefon Diggs. The Texans' offense is further bolstered by the presence of Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon, who is expected to thrive behind a solid offensive line.

On the defensive side, the Texans boast a formidable unit headlined by Will Anderson Jr., who lived up to his billing as a top draft pick by winning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. The Texans' defense is complemented by a talented secondary, featuring standout players like Derek Stingley Jr. and Jalen Pitre, who are poised to make significant impacts this season.

Meanwhile, the Colts are looking to shake off their recent Week 1 woes, having not secured a victory in their season opener for over a decade. Indianapolis is banking on the development of their young quarterback, Anthony Richardson, who showed flashes of brilliance last season before being sidelined by injury. Richardson's dual-threat ability poses a unique challenge for opposing defenses, and his chemistry with star running back Jonathan Taylor will be crucial for the Colts' offensive success. Taylor, who signed a lucrative contract extension last year, is expected to be a focal point of the Colts' attack, especially given his explosive rushing capabilities.

Defensively, the Colts will need to contain the Texans' dynamic offense and capitalize on any opportunities to disrupt Stroud's rhythm. The Colts' defense, which has historically struggled against the Texans in recent matchups, will be tested by Houston's balanced offensive approach. As both teams prepare for this divisional showdown, the Texans appear to have the upper hand, given their recent dominance in the series and the momentum they carry from last season's achievements. However, the Colts will be eager to prove themselves and end their Week 1 curse, making this an intriguing contest to watch.

Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts Pick: Houston Texans Moneyline

The Houston Texans enter this Week 1 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts as the favorites, and for good reason. The Texans are coming off a remarkable 2023 season where they clinched the AFC South title and made a deep playoff run, defying expectations. Quarterback C.J. Stroud, who was named Offensive Rookie of the Year, has shown tremendous growth and is poised for an MVP-caliber season. His connection with new addition Stefon Diggs, along with established targets like Nico Collins and Tank Dell, provides the Texans with a potent aerial attack that will challenge the Colts' defense.

On the ground, the Texans have bolstered their offense with the acquisition of Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon, who is expected to thrive behind a solid offensive line. This balanced offensive approach makes the Texans a formidable opponent, capable of exploiting any defensive weaknesses the Colts might present.

Defensively, the Texans are equally impressive. Will Anderson Jr., the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year, leads a unit that is both aggressive and disciplined. The Texans' defense is further strengthened by a talented secondary, featuring standout players like Derek Stingley Jr. and Jalen Pitre, who are poised to make significant impacts this season. This defensive prowess will be crucial in containing the Colts' young quarterback Anthony Richardson, who, despite his potential, is still finding his footing in the league after an injury-laden rookie campaign.

The Colts, on the other hand, have struggled historically in Week 1 matchups, failing to secure a victory in their season opener for over a decade. While they have a promising young quarterback in Richardson and a star running back in Jonathan Taylor, the Texans' recent dominance in this rivalry, coupled with their momentum from last season, gives them the upper hand. The Texans have won three of the last four meetings against the Colts, including a decisive victory in their most recent encounter.

Given these factors, the Texans are well-positioned to start their 2024 campaign with a victory. Their balanced offense, combined with a stout defense, makes them the more complete team heading into this matchup. As such, the Houston Texans moneyline is the pick for this Week 1 showdown.

Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts Top Player Prop Picks

Anthony Richardson Over 223.5 Passing Yards -114 (FanDuel)

Anthony Richardson is poised to make a significant impact in the Colts' season opener against the Texans. Despite his injury-laden rookie campaign, Richardson has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly with his dual-threat capabilities. The Texans' defense, while formidable, will have to contend with Richardson's ability to extend plays and connect with his receivers downfield. Given the Colts' need to overcome their Week 1 struggles and Richardson's potential to exploit defensive gaps, betting on him to surpass 223.5 passing yards seems a promising proposition. The Colts will likely rely on Richardson's arm to challenge the Texans' secondary, making this over a compelling pick.

C.J. Stroud Over 0.5 Interceptions -115 (Caesars)

C.J. Stroud, the Texans' standout quarterback, faces a Colts defense eager to disrupt his rhythm. While Stroud has been impressive, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, the pressure of a divisional opener and the Colts' determination to end their Week 1 curse could lead to mistakes. Stroud's aggressive style, combined with the Colts' defensive adjustments, increases the likelihood of an interception. The Colts' defense will be keen to capitalize on any missteps, making the over on 0.5 interceptions a strategic choice.

Jonathan Taylor Over 15.5 Longest Rush -115 (DraftKings)

Jonathan Taylor remains a focal point of the Colts' offensive strategy, especially given his explosive rushing capabilities. Despite a challenging 2023 season, Taylor's ability to break through defenses is undeniable. The Texans' defense, while strong, will have to contend with Taylor's speed and power. With the Colts aiming to establish a dominant ground game to support Richardson, Taylor is likely to have opportunities to break off significant runs. Betting on Taylor to exceed a 15.5-yard rush aligns with his proven track record and the Colts' need to leverage his talents in this crucial matchup.