Colts vs. Texans Predictions, Picks & Odds Week 2: Rookie QBs Face Off in Houston
Last Updated: September 17, 2023 11:54 AM EDT • 3 min 7 sec read.
Check out our Colts vs. Texans predictions based on the NFL odds from our best sports betting apps. Read on as we analyze how highly-drafted rookie quarterbacks Anthony Richardson and C.J. Stroud will lead their respective offenses in this early AFC South showdown.
While the Indianapolis Colts showed growth offensively in Week 1 behind new quarterback Anthony Richardson, their defense left something to be desired in a 31-21 home loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Houston Texans had a similarly disappointing defeat in Baltimore, as QB C.J. Stroud and the offense mustered only nine points. How will the rookies fare in Week 2 when they go head-to-head in Houston?
Here is our best Colts vs. Texans prediction and our NFL best bets for Week 2, NFL upset picks and NFL player props (odds via our best NFL betting sites; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale).
Colts vs. Texans prediction
Texans -1 (-110 via , ) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Even at home, the Texans being favored over the Colts after their respective offensive showing a week ago is probably a surprise, but advantages do exist for Houston in this matchup.
The Texans lost some resolve defensively against QB Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens in the second half last week, but Houston held that Baltimore offense to just seven points through 30 minutes. Houston actually out-gained the Ravens in total yardage, 268 to 265. So while the scoreboard reflected a sizable loss, Houston’s D generally held the shifty Jackson (169 passing yards, 38 rushing yards) in check.
That could be encouraging coming into a contest with the dual-threat Richardson, who hasn't yet proven his passing chops to Jackson’s level at this stage of his career. For Houston’s defense to hang in there like it did on the road, how much more crisp might the unit be hosting the Colts this week?
There’s still the matter of Stroud's offense, but the Jaguars managed 31 points at Indy last week. If Stroud avoids careless mistakes and leans on running back Dameon Pierce for an efficient rushing outing, I like the Texans to shorten this game and win it ugly. Houston by a field goal.
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Colts vs. Texans best odds
: Texans -1 (-110)
| DraftKings | FanDuel | BetMGM | Caesars | bet365 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texans -1.5 | Texans -1.5 | Texans -1 | Texans -1 | Texans -1 |
| -108 | 110 |
DraftKings and FanDuel list the Texans at -1.5, a decrease in the quality of the offering at , , and . DK’s discounted -108 odds on Houston aren’t enough to offset the value of the -1 line the other shops provided, all with standard -110 odds.
While the Texans are worth playing up to -2.5, the play is reduced to a three-star recommendation if the board moves to join DraftKings and FanDuel at Houston -1.5.
Colts vs. Texans odds
Colts vs. Texans odds analysis
The Texans opened as 1.5-point home favorites and remained there at a couple of spots while dipping to -1 at others. Only 33% of wagers on the spread came in on Houston.
The total opened at 40.5 and dropped by a point to 39.5 across our best sports betting apps. More than 54% of wagers on the total were placed on the Over.
Colts vs. Texans game info
- When: Sunday, Sept. 17 at 1 p.m. ET
- Where: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
- How to watch: FOX
- Weather: Indoors
Colts-Texans prediction made Friday, Sept. 15 at 2:20 p.m. ET
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Brenden Schaeffer
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