NFL Predictions: Texans vs. Colts Preview

Written by Jake Thompson
Wednesday, 21 December 2011 23:36

Predictions are ready to go in Thursday’s NFL game between the Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts.

The Houston Texans (10-4) have obviously had the superior season, but predictions on this NFL game are a bit tricky to figure out with the Indianapolis Colts (1-13) finally playing some competitive football.  These NFC South squads meet up at least twice every year and the Texans were 34-7 winners in Houston earlier this season.  The Colts had won 7 of 8 games against their rival before then, but Peyton Manning was around for those victories.

NFL betting odds in the Texans vs. Colts game at Legends Sportsbook show that Houston is favored by 6 with a total of 40 points.  The spread originally showed the Texans at -7.5 but has suspiciously been bet down throughout the week despite NFL bet-tracking websites showing that Houston is garnering close to 75% of the wagers on this game.  Although the absence of Manning will make for a different type of game, it is still interesting to point out that the over has hit in 10 of the last 13 head-to-head meetings between the Texans and the Colts.

Texans’ Offense vs. Colts’ Defense:

The Texans’ offense is down a bit since Matt Schaub and Matt Leinhart went down at quarterback, but T.J. Yates keeps them moving thanks to a running game that allows him time in the pocket.  Houston has one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL and they can run the ball on almost anyone.  Their offense is as high-scoring as it would be with Schaub back there, but they are still very capable.  The Colts haven’t defended the run well this year and I’m not convinced their recent stretch of effectiveness is going to last against Houston.  Indianapolis won’t be dominated but they should be prepared to give up 20 or more.

Colts’ Offense vs. Texans’ Defense:

Dan Orlovsky has greatly improved the Indianapolis offense since taking over for Curtis Palmer, but these guys still don’t set the world on fire.  The Colts are taking much better care of the ball and that has resulted in better field position for the defense.  The lack of turnovers has helped the team keep games close and they’ll have to continue to avoid interceptions and fumbles if they want to have a chance against the Texans.  Houston defense has played well this season but they’ve also amassed their statistics against some of the NFL’s worst offenses.  The Colts need the run to succeed and they should be able to get it going unless Houston manages to get a big lead before halftime.  I don’t see that happening.

Texans vs. Colts Predictions:

Even if the Colts can avoid turnovers, I just don’t see them scoring many points against Houston.  Indianapolis has no go-to weapons and their running game is going to be average at best here.  Meanwhile, the Texans can run at will to control the clock and field position, and Yates won’t have to make many throws here.  My only worry is that the Colts add on a late touchdown with Houston firmly in the lead, but that is not enough to take me off of my predictions that say the Texans win by 10 or so while covering the point spread.

Bet on the Thursday NFL game between the Colts and the Texans at Legends Sportsbook and receive a 25% cash bonus on top of the amount you deposited to wager with!  Simply click on the link we just provided to sign-up!

Texans 24

Colts 13