Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans odds, picks and predictions

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The Indianapolis Colts (0-1) square off against the Houston Texans (0-1) in the battle of rookie quarterbacks Sunday. Kickoff from NRG Stadium is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Colts vs. Texans odds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.

The Colts lost 31-21 and failed to cover as 3.5-point underdogs against the Jacksonville Jaguars in rookie QB Anthony Richardson‘s debut. Indianapolis carried a 21-17 lead into the 4th quarter before giving up 14 unanswered points and dropping the game.

Richardson went 24-of-37 passing for 223 yards with a TD and an INT and had 10 carries for 40 yards and a TD. WR Michael Pittman Jr. caught 8 passes for 97 yards and a TD.

The Texas failed to cover as 9.5-point underdogs in a 25-9 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in QB C.J. Stroud‘s debut. Stroud went 28-of-44 passing for 242 yards through the air with 0 TD or INT and had 4 carries for 20 yards and a fumble.

It was a tough day all around for Houston as they failed to find the end zone. WR’s Nico Collins (6 receptions, 80 yards) and Robert Woods (6, 57) appeared to be Stroud’s favorite targets with each seeing double-digit targets.

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Colts at Texans odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 3 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Colts +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Texans -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Colts +1 (-110) | Texans -1 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 39.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Colts at Texans key injuries

Colts

OL Quenton Nelson (toe) questionable

Texans

LB Neville Hewitt (illness) questionable
WR John Metchie III (hamstring) questionable
S Jalen Pitre (chest) questionable
OL Laremy Tunsil (knee) questionable
S Jimmie Ward (hip) questionable

Colts at Texans picks and predictions

Prediction

Texans 21, Colts 17

Moneyline

BET TEXANS (-120).

It appeared that Richardson had to be a jack of all trades last week as the Colts forged forward with RB Jonathan Taylor on the PUP and mired in a contract dispute. While it seemed to work for a majority of the game, Indianapolis was unable to keep the steam late in the game. Expect the energy to be high in the Texans’ home opener and a bounce-back game from RB Dameon Pierce to carry them to victory.

Against the spread

BET TEXANS -1 (-110).

In this instance, a Texans win means a Texans cover — or at least a push. While Stroud did not particularly impress last week, his only big mistake was a fumble. In this battle of rookie QBs, who have been friends since high school, the home QB with a more grounded offense will lead his team to the win and cover.

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 39.5 (-110).

Barring a standout game from one or both of these first-year QBs, the Under is looking likely. The Colts have not identified a lead RB in Taylor’s absence while the Texans will look to get Pierce going early after a slow outing against the Ravens last week. With each QB still settling into their respective offense, do not be surprised with sloppier play and fewer points.

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