Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans 9/17/23 – Indianapolis Colts will meet Houston Texans on September 17th at 1:00 PM ET for a showdown between two struggling teams aiming to break through, hosted at NRG Stadium and broadcast by FOX. Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson faces off against C.J. Stroud of the Texans; both sitting 0-1, are looking to turn things around quickly to set the tone for a productive remainder of the season and provide daily NFL picks opportunities.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans
Date & Time: Sunday, September 17, 2023 at 1:00 PM ET
Location: NRG Stadium
TV: FOX
Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans 9/17/23 Betting Odds
| Moneyline | Spread | Total | |
| Colts | -125 | -1 (-115) | 39.5 over (-110) |
| Texans | +105 | +1 (-105 ) | 39.5 under (-110) |
Indianapolis Colts Analysis
The Colts’ offense, under the helm of quarterback Anthony Richardson, showed promise but also room for improvement in their season opener. Richardson completed 24 of 37 passes for 223 yards, netting a 64.9% completion rate. He also threw for one touchdown and one interception, making it a balanced but not extraordinary debut. Sacked four times and with a passer rating of 79, Richardson will look to improve his pocket presence against the Texans.
On the rushing side, Deon Jackson had a disappointing first game, recording only 14 yards on 13 attempts—an average of just 1.1 yards per carry. Jackson also lost a fumble, casting some doubt on his ball security. He’ll need a strong rebound game to complement Richardson’s efforts through the air.
The wide receiver corps is led by Michael Pittman Jr., who hauled in 8 receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown in Week 1. Pittman’s performance appears to be the silver lining for the Colts’ offense, and they’ll need him to stay reliable, especially with a less than stellar running game.
Houston Texans Analysis
C.J. Stroud, the rookie quarterback for the Texans, had a statistically comparable game to his Colts counterpart. Completing 28 of 44 passes for 242 yards, he ended the game with a 63.6% completion rate. What stands out is that Stroud was not picked off in his first game, although he failed to throw a touchdown pass and was sacked five times. Stroud will need better protection from his offensive line to improve his passer rating of 78.
In the running department, Dameon Pierce offered a moderate performance with 38 yards on 11 attempts—an average of 3.5 yards per carry. Though not breaking into explosive plays, Pierce’s performance provides hope for a balanced Texans’ attack.
Nico Collins led the receiving unit with 6 receptions for 80 yards, proving to be a dependable target for Stroud. His performance will be essential in spreading the field and creating opportunities for other playmakers.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans Against the Spread
The tale of the betting trends offers a complex narrative. The Colts are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games and have lost 8 straight games outright. But before you swear them off, consider that they have an impressive 7-3 ATS record in their last 10 matchups against the Texans. Likewise, they’ve been dominant head-to-head, posting a 7-2-1 SU record against Houston in their last ten encounters.
Houston’s betting trends are a mixed bag as well. They are 4-2 ATS in their last six outings but have a dismal 2-11 SU record in recent history. Moreover, they’ve struggled at home, losing their last seven home games outright. Interestingly, when it comes to the total, both teams have shown consistent trends: OVER in 6 of Indianapolis’ last 7 games and UNDER in 7 of Houston’s last 10.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans Free Pick
Our expert picks this matchup are the following:
Moneyline: Colts -125
Based on the trends, key players, and odds, the pick here is the Colts at -125. Despite their struggles, they have historically had Houston’s number.
Spread: Colts -1 (-115)
With a narrow spread of Colts -1, they’re worth backing considering their ATS history against the Texans. Take the Colts to cover at -115.
Total: 39.5 over (-110)
Given that the Colts’ games tend to go OVER and the Texans’ trend toward the UNDER, this is a tricky pick. Considering the vulnerabilities on both sides, the pick would be OVER 39.5 at -110.
Prediction: 17-24 Indianapolis Colts win
Week 2’s matchup between the Colts and the Texans offers bettors and fans an intriguing set of variables. Whether you are a seasoned bettor or a newbie looking for some action, this game has something for everyone. Those seeking reliable data for their wagering might find what they’re looking for at the top betting websites in Canada. With compelling narratives and statistics on both sides, make sure to tune in for what promises to be an exciting encounter.
