The Houston Texans may be the most impressive under .500 team in the NFL, but they need that to start translating into wins. The Texans will host the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9 in an AFC South matchup. Houston is in the mix for the divisional title but can’t afford to get upset in this contest.
The Colts may only have one fewer loss than the Texans but they are in a world of hurt without star quarterback Andrew Luck. Houston has had some hard-luck losses this season but will be heavy favorites to roll to a victory in this one.
Kickoff for this regular season Week 9 game is set for Sunday, November 5, 2017, at 2 p.m. ET at NRG Stadium.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Indianapolis Colts +13
Houston Texans -13
Over/Under 48.5
Odds Analysis
The oddsmakers are certainly confident in the Texans as they are list close to two-touchdown favorites at home in this one. Houston is getting nearly 52 percent of the action despite the large spread.
The scoring total is pretty high considering the Colts struggle to score because the Texans’ offense has been dynamic of late. The “over” is the much more popular choice as more than 91 percent of the action believes there will be a bevy of points in this matchup.
Injury Report
Andrew Luck - The prognosis is getting grim for the Colts’ quarterback. Luck won’t practice for a third straight week and it seems like his season could be in doubt. The Colts will continue to roll with Jacoby Brissett, who has been decent in spurts but isn’t anything near the same talent of Luck.
Duane Brown - The Texans’ left tackle isn’t injured but he is no longer on the team after getting dealt to the Seahawks on Monday. He missed the first six games of the season while holding out in a contract dispute, so his absence won’t be a huge deal.
Christian Covington- The Texans defensive lineman injured his elbow last week and will miss the rest of the season. Houston is getting hit hard up front, as star J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus have also been put on the shelf for the season. The defense has not played nearly as well without those guys.
Player To Watch
Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has been a revelation as a rookie signal-caller. He threw for 402 yards and four touchdowns against the Seahawks on Sunday and had his team in position to win, but Seattle rallied for the 41-38 victory.
Watson has thrown for 1,699 yards with 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions this season, and has been really great the last few weeks. Watson has tossed 16 touchdowns over his past four games and is already emerging as a possible star.
The Texans have been searching for a franchise quarterback for several seasons and it looks like they have found their guy. The Colts will have tough time slowing down Watson. He had 67 rushing yards against the Seahawks and has shown the ability to beat teams both with his arms and his legs.
Free ATS Pick
The Texans have lost three close games to the Patriots, Chiefs and Seahawks. The defense has let down in those games but should be better moving forward. If Watson keeps playing like this, the Texans should be right in the playoff race.
The Colts are effectively done for the season after their 2-6 start, and it’s getting to the point where it won’t make much sense to bring back Luck this year. Look for the Texans to step on the gas early as Watson should be in line for another big game.
Take the Texans to cover despite the outsized spread, although the “under” is the choice as Indianapolis isn’t going to put up many points.
NFL Odds: Texans 30, Colts 13
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