Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts 1/6/24 – Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts, both 9-7 teams, will face off for an important Week 18 clash at Lucas Oil Stadium this Saturday in an epic contest that carries significant weight for NFL Super Bowl free picks. Not only is this an epic showdown about positioning in the postseason race; but also each side will get their chance to prove themselves under prime-time television’s bright lights.
Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts 1/6/24
| When: | Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 8:15 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Lucas Oil Stadium |
| TV: | ABC |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texans | -1.5 -110 | o47 -112 | -125 |  |
| Colts | +1.5 -110 | u47 -108 | +105 | |
| ||||
High 5️⃣ if you spot the differences 🔎 pic.twitter.com/pMljEKyrfd
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) January 5, 2024
C.J. Stroud QB vs. Gardner Minshew QB
C.J. Stroud has put together a strong debut campaign in 2023, compiling over 3,800 passing yards and 21 touchdowns against just 5 interceptions over 14 games. He has completed 63.2% of his passes and averaged a solid 8.1 yards per attempt. Stroud has shown impressive poise and decision-making abilities for a first-year player, instrumental in leading Houston to several comeback victories. His 274.6 passing yards per game currently ranks among the league’s top 10. With the Texans pushing for a playoff spot, Stroud will need to avoid critical turnovers against a tough Colts defense.
Gardner Minshew has battled injuries but played reasonably well when healthy. In 16 games this season, he has completed 62.7% of his throws for over 3,100 yards, 15 touchdowns and 9 picks. Minshew has put up a respectable 197.8 yards per contest through the air. Limiting mistakes will be key for him against Houston’s ball-hawking secondary. If Minshew can make smart decisions in the pocket and sustain some long drives through the air and on the ground, he can guide Indianapolis to a pivotal home win with playoff aspirations on the line.
Texans’ Offensive Dynamics: Stroud at the Helm
Devin Singletary has been one of the Texans’ premier rushers this season, amassing 835 yards and three touchdowns over 16 games at an average 4.3 yard per attempt rate – helping the offense achieve balance through first downs. Nico Collins quickly emerged as an integral piece in their receiving department, amassing 1102 yards and seven touchdowns over 14 games for an 15.5 average yards per reception average, his playmaking abilities being particularly crucial to their aerial attack.
Colts’ Offensive Strength: Minshew’s Command
Zack Moss has led the Colts rushing attack with 764 yards and five touchdowns through 13 games, averaging an impressive 4.3 average yards per carry average which has served as their centerpiece ground game. Michael Pittman Jr. has had an outstanding year for them with 1108 receiving yards and four touchdowns over 15 games; this season alone his 10.7 average yards per catch will prove invaluable against Texans’ secondary.
NFL Betting Odds: Houston Texans -125, Over/Under: 47.5
The odds are slightly in favor of the Texans, indicative of their recent form and offensive firepower. The over/under set at 47.5 points suggests an expectation of a high-scoring affair.
Trends
Houston Texans Betting Trends
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston’s last 7 games.
Houston are 6-3 SU in their last 9 games.
Houston are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games against Indianapolis.
Texans are 2-8-1 SU in their last 11 games against Indianapolis.
Houston are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games on the road.
Houston are 4-16 SU in their last 20 games when playing on the road against Indianapolis.
Indianapolis Colts Betting Trends
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indianapolis’ last 6 games.
Indianapolis are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Indianapolis’ last 8 games against Houston.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indianapolis’ last 5 games at home.
Indianapolis are 16-4 SU in their last 20 games when playing at home against Houston.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Indianapolis’ last 7 games against an opponent in the American Football Conference conference.
Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts Betting Picks
The matchup between the Texans and Colts is shaping up to be a closely contested battle. The Texans, with Stroud’s dynamic passing and Collins’ receiving threat, might have a slight edge. However, the Colts’ balanced attack and historical dominance at home against Houston make them a formidable opponent.
For those exploring top betting websites, considering prop bets on individual player performances could be advantageous. The over/under bet seems promising, especially with both teams showing tendencies to engage in high-scoring games.
Score Prediction: Texans 28, Colts 24
