Indianapolis Colts vs Houston Texans Prediction & Betting Tips - NFL

Prediction published on 05/01/2024, 19:58  by Joseph King | Modified on 05/01/2024 at 20:08 in NFL Prediction

A Saturday night matchup in the final week of the NFL season sees the Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts battling it out for a spot in the postseason. This is a “win and you’re in'' situation with the winner advancing to the NFL Playoffs while the loser will see their season come to an end.  There are three teams in the AFC South deadlocked on 9-7 records with the Jaguars (first-place), Colts (second) and Texans (third). The Colts are the home team for this divisional matchup yet the Texans come into the game as slight favorites.

Indianapolis were able to hold off the Raiders in their last game, securing a crucial 23-20 home victory to keep their postseason hopes alive. It’s been a fantastic turnaround for Indy who had a 3-5 record after the first half of the regular season. Six wins from the next eight games has them on the cusp but they’ll have to first overcome a divisional rival who they have already managed to beat this season. The Colts ran out 31-20 winners in week two when they faced off against Houston and will be hoping for a repeat performance. The Colts are clearly at a disadvantage in the quarterback position with Gardner Minshew matching up against impressive rookie CJ Stroud. They're also at a defensive disadvantage with their 24.5 points allowed per game ranking as the sixth-most in the NFL.

Houston will be confident heading into Lucas Oil Stadium in large part thanks to their breakout rookie star quarterback CJ Stroud. The second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft has thrown for almost 4,000 yards with 21 touchdowns and only five interceptions. Indeed, it’s the 22-year-old’s ability to limit turnovers which played a part in Houston’s dramatic turnaround following a three-win season in 2022/23. The Texans come into this game following a 26-3 victory over the Colts. The three points allowed is the lowest total that the Houston defense has allowed this season.