Houston Texans (9-7) vs. Indianapolis Colts (9-7)
Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts January 6, 2024 – In the climactic NFL Week 18, the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts, both with 9-7 records, face off in a pivotal match that could shape their postseason fate. This high-stakes encounter, scheduled for Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium, is not just another game – it’s a potential decider for playoff positioning. With the Super Bowl on the horizon, fans are eagerly seeking Super Bowl free picks to gauge the outcome of this critical showdown.
Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts January 6, 2024 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 8:15 PM ET |
| Where: | Lucas Oil Stadium |
| TV: | ABC |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
C.J. Stroud QB vs. Gardner Minshew QB
C.J. Stroud has put together an impressive debut campaign in his first year as a starter, completing 63.2% of his passes for 3,844 yards (274.6 yards per game), 21 touchdowns and just 5 interceptions. He has shown precision and touch on his throws, evidenced by his 8.1 yards per pass attempt average. Stroud has also demonstrated composure in the pocket and ability to scan the field to find his third and fourth options. His mobility and downfield accuracy could pose major issues for the Colts’ 16th-ranked pass defense. If he gets into a rhythm early, it could be a long night for Indianapolis.
Gardner Minshew has kept the Colts competitive despite rather modest numbers – 3,164 passing yards (197.8 per game), 15 TDs, 9 INTs. He has maximized the talent around him, completing 62.7% of his throws and avoiding critical mistakes with a 2.7% interception rate. Minshew’s efficiency guiding the offense and avoiding errors will be vital if Indianapolis has a chance to pull the upset. He’ll need to make quick reads and get the ball out quickly to neutralize the Texans pass rush. His short throwing could also open up play action shots deep. But he’ll be hard pressed to keep pace if Stroud catches fire.
Texans’ Offensive Threats: Rushing and Receiving Prowess
Devin Singletary, Houston’s primary running back, has amassed 835 rushing yards and three touchdowns over 16 games, posting an average 4.3 yards per rush attempt rate and making first downs a priority for Houston’s offense.
Nico Collins has been one of Stroud’s primary targets. Amassing 1,102 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns on 71 receptions, his average reception yardage per catch average of 15.5 and big play capability have made an immense contribution to Houston’s passing game.
Colts’ Ground and Air Offensive Strategy
Zack Moss, the Colts’ running back, has proven himself a solid contributor in 13 games this year with 764 rushing yards and five touchdowns on just 4.3 yards per rush attempt – adding vitally to their offense.
Michael Pittman Jr. has become one of Minshew’s primary targets, amassing 1,108 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 104 receptions – his 10.7 yards per reception average and ability to convert first downs have been key components of Indianapolis’ aerial attack.
NFL Betting Odds: Houston Texans -125, Over/Under: 47.5
The betting odds slightly favor the Texans, with a moneyline of -125. The over/under set at 47.5 suggests expectations of a relatively high-scoring game. These odds indicate a close match, with Houston slightly preferred, likely due to their balanced offensive attack.
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.
Texans are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games against Indianapolis.
Houston are 2-8-1 SU in their last 11 games against Indianapolis.
Texans 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
This game promises to be a tightly contested affair. While the Texans have the edge in the betting odds, the Colts’ historical dominance at home against Houston cannot be overlooked. The over/under suggests a high-scoring game, aligning more with Indianapolis’s recent trends.
For those looking at betting websites, this matchup presents an intriguing opportunity. The Texans may be the safer bet based on recent form, but the Colts’ home advantage and historical edge make them an enticing pick. The predicted scoreline reflects a closely fought contest, with Houston’s slightly superior offense giving them the edge in a high-scoring game.
Receiving Yards Prop: Texans 27, Colts 24.
