The Houston Texans (1-4) are on the road to take on the Indianapolis Colts (1-4) Sunday. Kickoff from Lucas Oil Stadium is set for 1 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Texans vs. Colts odds and lines, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.
Coming off a heartbreaking loss to the Baltimore Ravens despite leading for most of the game, the Colts are back home and look to take down a struggling Texans squad. The Colts are led by RB Jonathan Taylor and QB Carson Wentz.
They used a trio of running backs including Nyheim Hines and Marlon Mack in their loss to the Ravens. WR T.Y. Hilton has also been activated and may give them another threat out wide.
The Texans have used rookie QB Davis Mills after Tyrod Taylor went down early in the season. Mills threw for over 300 yards and 3 touchdowns against the New England Patriots last weekend.
Houston’s lone win came in its season opener against the still-winless Jacksonville Jaguars. Its average loss this season has been more than 15 points, which is one reason why the Colts are heavy favorites in this one.
Texans at Colts odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Texans +400 (bet $100 to win $400) | Colts -550 (bet $550 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Texans +10.5 (-120) | Colts -10.5 (+100)
- Over/Under (O/U): 42.5 (O: -117 | U: -103)
PLAY: Try our new, free daily Pick’em Challenge and win. Play now!
Texans at Colts key injuries
Texans
- OL Laremy Tunsil (thumb) out
- OL Justin Britt (knee) questionable
- CB Desmond King II (hip) questionable
Colts
- CB Xavier Rhodes (concussion) questionable
- S Andrew Sendejo (concussion) out
- K Rodrigo Blankenship (hip) out
- RT Braden Smith (foot, thumb) out
WIN YOUR FANTASY FOOTBALL LEAGUE!
For 25 years, TheHuddle.com has been helping fantasy players just like you win. This year, it’s your turn! Custom player rankings, tools and more to give you the edge over your competition.
Use code SBW21 to take 20% OFF a new subscription. Join now!
Texans at Colts odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Colts 27, Texans 16
Money line
PASS on the money line.
While the Texans haven’t shown much these last few weeks and the Colts did just lose a heartbreaking overtime game against the AFC North-leading Ravens, -550 is a value I’d stay far away from.
Against the spread
BET on the COLTS -10.5 (+100) as their talented team should be dominant at home. With Hilton, WR Michael Pittman Jr., and Taylor all set to play, Wentz will have his full array of weapons.
Add in the fact that Tunsil is out on the Houston offensive line, and the LB Darius Leonard-led Colts defense should be able to get after the quarterback. Injuries and home-field both favor the Colts.
Coming off an impressive loss while Houston is two weeks removed from losing to the Buffalo Bills by 40, and I’m going with the hot-handed Colts who need to prove they can win.
At home, they should be able to hang at least an 11-point win on Houston.
Over/Under
“LEAN” to the OVER 42.5 (-117) as the best value on the total.
The Colts have scored 24 or more points in three of their last four games. Going against a Texans side that allowed more than 60 in their last two games, Wentz should be able to expose Houston.
Mills is gaining confidence as well, coming off a 3-touchdown showing. Indianapolis has given up 27 or more points in three of five games as well. Leonard’s defense hasn’t held up well.
I expect Mills to at least be capable, and the Colts to continue to find their rhythm, making the Over the better of the two values.
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Access more NFL coverage:
TheHuddle Fantasy Football | BearsWire | BengalsWire | BillsWire | BroncosWire | BrownsWire | BucsWire | CardsWire | ChargersWire | ChiefsWire | CowboysWire | DolphinsWire | EaglesWire | FalconsWire | GiantsWire | JaguarsWire | JetsWire | LionsWire | NinersWire | PackersWire | PanthersWire | PatriotsWire | RaidersWire | RamsWire | RavensWire | SaintsWire | SeahawksWire | SteelersWire | TexansWire | TitansWire | VikingsWire | WashingtonFootballWire | DraftWire | TouchdownWire | TheListWire
Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1367]