Will the Colts take revenge for the bankruptcy in week one?
Seven weeks into the new NFL season and there are still teams flying under the radar that are putting in a solid performance so far. While that doesn’t apply to the hosts in the upcoming AFC South matchup, as they get almost all of the spotlight in the division, it applies all the more to the guests.
Before the season, few would have predicted that Indianapolis would win four of their first seven games. This means that the current leaders of the AFC South will face their closest pursuers, making this a real top game in Texas. Of course, we checked whether the odds are too clearly distributed in the rematch between the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts, as both teams already faced each other at the start of the season!
As expected, the franchise from the state of Texas got off to a good start to the season. However, last week they suffered their second defeat, losing 22:24 in Green Bay. If you take a look at the Super Bowl odds before the eighth matchday clash, it’s clear that the home side are still among the favorites. However, if you place a bet on DeMeco Ryan’s team between the Texans and Colts, the value is modest.
And that, although the organization from Indiana is only one win behind Houston and could therefore draw level with a win in terms of record. After the two defeats at the beginning, the team won four of the last five games. The guests in the “NRG Stadium” should not be underestimated, even if we do not dare to make an immediate victory prediction between the Texans and Colts. At Oddset, however, this variant would add a very attractive value to the betting slip.
Texans – Statistics & current form
Judging by the result, the Ryans team at “Lambeau Field” was absolutely equal, but a closer look at the statistics reveals that the victory remained well deserved in Green Bay. Because 16 of the 22 points brought the Texans immediately after mistakes by the hosts, such as interceptions or a muffed punt, on the scoreboard. The offense worked, certainly also due to the absence of number one wide receiver Nico Collins, never competitive in the passing game. The good running game concealed this However, almost sufficiently.
Prediction for these Texans is difficult!
86 passing yards were ultimately recorded by quarterback C. J. Stroud’s offensive unit in the box score. In no other NFL game before that did the 2nd-year quarterback record fewer. Even though we are making the prediction between the Texans and Colts that the output in the passing game will be better again, the task will by no means be easier. Houston will have to do without Nico Collins, who has been placed on the “Injury Reserve” list, for at least another two weeks. Nevertheless, the receiver group is of course strong with Stefon Diggs, Tank Dell or Xavier Hutchinson.
At least there is currently a ray of hope on the ground, because returnee Joe Mixon had two 100-yard games after his return. It seems entirely realistic that he could do the same on Sunday. When the Texans host the Colts, odds of 1.63 are available for his fifth touchdown of the season. He recorded three successful end zone visits in the two games after his injury break. To place a safe player bet, you can use the Betano bonus, for example.
The defense is currently one of the best in the league. Only the Titans have allowed fewer rushing yards per game than the franchise from Texas. They have been very solid in both the run and pass defenses. However, the 22.7 points allowed on average is only mediocre compared to the rest of the league.
Key Players:
- QB: C. J. Stroud
- RB: Joe Mixon
- WR: Stefon Diggs
- TE: Dalton Schultz
- K: Kaʻimi Fairbairn
Colts – statistics & current form
Almost secretly, quietly and quietly, the organization from Indiana became the second strongest force in the AFC South. Currently, Shane Steichen’s team would even be the sixth team in the AFC to make the playoffs. And that despite being hit by injury early in the season. Last week, quarterback Anthony Richardson returned as the starting quarterback and celebrated a successful comeback in the 16-10 win over the Dolphins.
Hardly any success in the passing game
Successful, at least in terms of the result. The performance was mixed at best. Overall, the offense only created 284 yards of space, of which only 129 were gained through passing. The unit ran the ball 37 times, 14 times through running back Tyler Goodson and 14 times through Richardson himself. Now an even better rushing defense awaits the personnel group, which could make it difficult to move the ball consistently.
In the first meeting between the two teams, Indianapolis only managed a total of 104 rushing yards. The possible recovery of top running back Jonathan Taylor, who at least returned to training this week, would of course have an influence on the performance of the running game.
In week one against the Texans, Richardson had his season high with 212 passing yards. After the last impression from the Dolphins game, there is little confidence that he can top this on Sunday. With Alec Pierce and Michael Pittmann Jr., there are two receivers who have already notched over 330 yards each, with Pittmann being targeted significantly more often (47 times). Together with Josh Downs, the three receivers have recorded seven of the ten touchdown catches.
The defense has allowed an average of 159.9 yards per game so far, which puts them in 31st place in the statistics! While the upcoming opponent, as highlighted, allows very few yards in league comparison, Indianapolis is at the other end of the spectrum with 382 yards. In fact, the Colts defense allows an average of 1.4 points less than the Texans.
Key Players:
- QB: Anthony Richardson
- RB: Tyler Goodson
- WR: Michael Pittmann Jr.
- TE: Mo Alie-Cox
- K: Matt Gay
Texans – Colts direct comparison / H2H record
The first game between the two teams this season was an offensive fireworks display. On the first day of play, Houston put the then hosts from Indianapolis in their place with a 29-27 win. In the season opener, the spread between the Texans and Colts was not quite as clear as in the upcoming match. However, on September 8, as on Sunday, the Texans were favored. The division duel with two playmakers who could own the future of the NFL can be followed live on DAZN and RTL+.
Texans – Colts Tip
Based on the first meeting, we see it like the bookmakers. In our eyes, the gap between the two franchises has become just as wide as the handicap that the various bookmakers set in comparison. That is why we do not recommend a tip on the guests between the Texans and Colts.
That’s why our main tip is on the hosts and on a touchdown from running back Mixon. However, he is also a favorite with the bookmakers and the betting odds, for example in the Bet365 app, are reaching manageable heights. We are placing six units on this because of the vulnerable rushing defense of the guests!
Last but not least, we don’t think the guests can score 19 points. Although the Colts unit has averaged 22.1 points so far, and only against the Packers and Dolphins have they failed to reach the point total. However, the Texans defense seems too strong for us in this matchup.
