Colts vs Texans Pick and Expert Analysis for NFL Game

With first place in the AFC South on the line, the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans are set to clash this week, making it an ideal time to dive into the NFL Game Odds and assess the potential outcomes of this high-stakes matchup.

Colts vs Texans Pick for the 2024 NFL Week 8: AFC South Battle
AFC South Showdown: Colts vs. Texans – Who Will Reign Supreme in Week 8?

2024 NFL Season | 104th season of National League in the United States
Week 8: Thursday, October 24th – Monday, October 28th, 2024

Betting 2024 Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans Week 8 Game

The Indianapolis Colts (4-3) and Houston Texans (5-2) play for the second time this season in Week 8, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

With first place in the AFC South on the line, both teams have a lot to prove.

The Colts, riding a two-game winning streak, are looking to tie things up in the division, while the Texans are hoping to widen their lead.

The game, taking place at NRG Stadium in Houston, has all the makings for an exciting game between two up-and-coming AFC South rivals.

NFL Week 8: Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans
Sunday, October 27th, 2024 at 1:00 PM EST CBS | NRG Stadium, Houston, TX

ATS Odds: Houston -5.5
Money line Odds: Colts +200 / Texans -250
Over/Under Odds: 43.5

Writer’s Breakdown and Pick for the Colts vs Texans Game

Indianapolis Colts – A Team on the Rise

The Indianapolis Colts come into this matchup above .500 for the first time this season, thanks to a hard-fought 16-10 victory over the Miami Dolphins in WWeek 7.

The Colts’ defense was the driving force behind this win, stifling Miami’s offense and forcing key turnovers.

Quarterback Anthony Richardson, while inconsistent this season, has been showing improvement, especially when supported by a strong running game.

A big storyline for the Colts heading into this game is the potential return of running back Jonathan Taylor and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.

Taylor has been dealing with an ankle injury but is listed as questionable for Week 8, and his return would be a huge boost for Indianapolis.

The Colts’ running game has struggled without Taylor, and his presence could take some pressure off Anthony Richardson, who has thrown six interceptions this season compared to only three touchdowns.

Richardson will need to be efficient and avoid turnovers if the Colts want to leave Houston with a win.

He has been effective on the ground, using his athleticism to extend plays and scramble for key yards.

However, his passing accuracy has been an issue, as he currently holds a completion rate of just 48.5%.

To beat the Texans, Richardson must continue to improve his decision-making and take advantage of Houston’s defensive weaknesses.

Defensively, the Colts have been solid against weaker opponents but have shown vulnerabilities against stronger offenses.

The return of DeForest Buckner would significantly bolster their pass rush, giving them a better chance at disrupting Houston’s passing game.

Indianapolis’ secondary will also need to step up, as they’ll face an explosive Texans offense led by quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Houston Texans – Home Field Advantage

The Houston Texans come into this game after a tough 31-28 loss against the Green Bay Packers.

Despite the setback, the Texans have been one of the more consistent teams in the AFC this season.

Led by rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, the Texans are 3-0 at home, and they’re looking to make it 4-0 with a win over the Colts.

C.J. Stroud has been excellent at home, boasting a 103.8 quarterback rating with nine touchdowns and only two interceptions.

He has shown poise and confidence, and his connection with wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been a major reason for Houston’s success this season.

Diggs has been a reliable target, consistently making big plays and giving the Texans a deep threat that opposing defenses have to account for.

The Texans’ ground game has also been a key factor, with running back Joe Mixon leading the way.

Mixon has been efficient, averaging 4.3 yards per carry, and is coming off a strong performance against Green Bay.

With the Colts struggling at times to stop the run, Mixon could have another big game, setting up play-action opportunities for Stroud to exploit Indianapolis’ secondary.

Houston’s defense, while not elite, has been opportunistic and capable of making big plays when needed.

The Texans rank inside the top 10 in several defensive categories, including opponent yards per pass attempt and opponent success rate.

They’ll look to put pressure on Anthony Richardson, force turnovers, and capitalize on any mistakes made by the Colts’ young quarterback.

Key Players to Watch

Anthony Richardson (Colts QB):
Richardson’s performance will be crucial for the Colts’ chances.
If he can limit turnovers and make plays with his legs, Indianapolis will have a shot at the upset.
Jonathan Taylor (Colts RB):
If Taylor is able to return, he will be a key factor in helping the Colts control the game on the ground and keep the Texans’ offense off the field.
C.J. Stroud (Texans QB):
Stroud has been excellent at home, and he’ll look to continue his strong play against a Colts defense that has struggled against top-tier quarterbacks.
Joe Mixon (Texans RB):
Mixon’s ability to establish the run will be important for Houston’s offensive success.
If he can get going early, it will open up opportunities for Stroud in the passing game.

Our Pick & Prediction

This game is shaping up to be a pivotal matchup in the AFC South, with both teams looking to make a statement.

The Colts have momentum on their side with a two-game winning streak, but their inconsistency on offense, particularly with Anthony Richardson’s struggles in the passing game, is a major concern.

On the other hand, the Texans have been solid at home, and C.J.

Stroud has shown that he can rise to the occasion in big games.

We believe that the Texans will have the edge in this game, particularly if Jonathan Taylor is unable to play or is limited in his return.

Houston’s defense has been underrated, and their ability to pressure Richardson and force him into mistakes could be the deciding factor.

On offense, C.J. Stroud and Joe Mixon should be able to take advantage of a Colts defense that has been inconsistent, especially on the road.

We expect the Texans to cover the -5.5 spread, with the final score staying UNDER the total of 45.5 points.

Houston’s home-field advantage and more consistent play at key positions give them the upper hand in this matchup.

The Colts will need a near-perfect performance from Richardson and a strong showing from their defense to pull off the upset, but the Texans seem poised to complete the season sweep.

Prediction: Texans 27, Colts 17

NFL Week 8 SU Pick: Houston Texans -250

Bet the NFL Week 8 | NFL Live Betting MyBookie Betting Lines for the Games

^ Top

Indianapolis at Houston Betting Trends Today

Texans have played seven games, posting three wins against the spread.
Texans have been favored by 5 points or more three times this season and covered the spread in one of them.
Texans games this year have hit the over on two of seven set point totals (28.6%).
Kylen Granson has hit the Receptions Under in 11 of his last 13 games
Joe Flacco has hit the TD Passes Over in 7 of his last 8 games
C.J. Stroud has hit the Interceptions Under in 13 of his last 18 games
Joe Mixon has hit the Longest Rush Over in 7 of his last 9 games
Colts have hit the 1Q Game Total Over in 13 of their last 20 games
Colts have hit the 4Q Game Total Under in 7 of their last 8 away games
Texans have hit the 2Q Moneyline in 11 of their last 20 games
Texans have hit the 4Q Moneyline in 6 of their last 10 games at home
Colts games this season have gone over the total in three of seven opportunities (42.9%).

Texans vs. Colts Series History

Last meeting:
Colts 27, Texans 29 on September 8th, 2024: Week 1 – Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN

Head-to-head (includes postseason games):
Indianapolis Colts lead series 33-12-1

From @GMFB: #Chiefs WR Rashee Rice is feared to have torn his ACL; #Colts QB Anthony Richardson (hip pointer) escaped major injury; RB Jonathan Taylor has a mild high-ankle sprain. pic.twitter.com/zaCq9A0nyD
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 30, 2024