Texans vs. Colts Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can C.J. Stroud, Texans Clinch AFC Playoff Berth Over Colts?
The Indianapolis Colts are squaring off with the Houston Texans on Saturday night, for a chance to grab the final playoff spot in the AFC. Can C.J. Stroud deliver a clinching performance on the road against the Colts? Jason Radowitz breaks down this win-or-go home clash, and gives us his pick in Texans vs. Colts.
Jason Radowitz - January 3, 2024, 9:30 AM EST
5 minTexans vs. Colts Prediction, Pick, Odds: An AFC Playoff Berth Is On The Line!
The Houston Texans will take on the Indianapolis Colts for a spot in this year's NFL Playoffs. The Colts are currently 7th in the AFC standings. That would be the final spot in the AFC. However, if the Colts earned a win and the Jaguars lost to the Titans, the Colts would win the AFC South division. On the other hand, if the Texans earned a win over the Colts, they'd also win the division if the Jaguars lost.
If the Jaguars win on Sunday, the Texans would add a wild card spot over Pittsburgh thanks to their head-to-head matchup in Week 4. Therefore, this game will be featured in a standalone matchup on Saturday night.
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Saturday's game between the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens.
Texans vs. Colts Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: January 6, 2024
- Game Time: 8:15 pm ET
- Where to Watch: ABC & ESPN
Texans vs. Colts Odds
- Spread: Texans -1 (-110), Colts +1 (-110)
- Total Odds: O/U 47 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Texans (-115), Colts (-102)
Texans vs. Colts Injury Report
Texans
Questionable: Jonathan Greenard (Ankle), DT Maliek Collins (Hip), FB Andrew Beck (Calf), WR Robert Woods (Hip), WR Noah Brown (Hip)
Out: S Jimmie Ward (Quadriceps), CB Tavierre Thomas (Hamstring)
Colts
Questionable: CB Kenny Moore II (Back), RB Zack Moss (Forearm), LB Cameron McGrone (Illness)
Out: TE Drew Ogletreew (Personal), S Julian Blackmon (Shoulder), CB Tony Brown (Suspension), WR Isaiah McKenzie (Suspension)
Texans vs. Colts Prediction
The Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts will play for the first time since Week 2. In Week 2, the Colts earned a 31-20 win after Anthony Richardson started the game. However, Richardson got injured, and Gardner Minshew took over in that game to help the Colts earn a double-digit win. Since then, the Colts have relied on Minshew at quarterback, while C.J. Stroud has become the best rookie quarterback in the NFL. The Texans earned more first downs and added more total yards in that game. However, the Colts added more yards per play and earned one turnover. Analytically, the Texans have been better. Houston's offense struggled without a healthy C.J. Stroud. While he was in concussion protocol, Houston had to rely on Case Keenum and Davis Mills. But last week, Stroud returned to action after missing two games and helped the Texans earn a 26-3 win over the Titans. Stroud added 213 passing yards with one touchdown and no interceptions. On the other side of the ball, Will Anderson Jr., another rookie, has started to make a name for himself in the league in the second half of the season. Stroud's favorite target, Tank Dell, is out for the season. However, Nico Collins, Robert Woods, and Noah Brown are all still available. Stroud has weapons and a run game that features two reliable running backs. Conversely, the Colts have been trading wins with losses after earning a win against the Raiders, 23-20, last time out. Minshew's performance was very close to Stroud's output the previous weekend. However, the Colts added more rushing yards per carry. Outside of one 27-yard rush for Trey Sermon, the Colts lacked consistent big plays. They had three plays that went for 27 or more yards. But many of the other plays didn't go for much at all. Michael Pittman, for example, added five catches for only 46 yards, averaging under 10 yards a reception. No other player even got three catches on the Colts in that game. Both defenses have been much better against the pass than against the run. However, looking through the analytics, I like Houston's run game more between Devin Singletary and Dameon Pierce. Those two have combined for over 1,200 yards with five touchdowns. Stroud has stolen most of Houston's touchdowns with 24 total touchdowns. I'm going to side with the Texans on the road. Houston will be back in the playoffs on Saturday night.
Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts Pick
- Texans -1 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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