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Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans odds, expert picks, how to watch: Texans favorite in Battle 2 for top of AFC South

Location: NRG Stadium — Houston
Time: 1:00 PM ET
TV: CBS
Streaming: Fubo (free trial)

Vaseline October 28, 2024

The AFC South’s top two teams will battle for the second time this season when the Houston Texans host the Indianapolis Colts. Injuries change the dynamic of the rematch between the division-leading Texans and the Colts. Despite being in foul trouble on defense, Houston gets more than just a field goal over Indianapolis.

Ball control played a big role in the Texans’ 29-27 Week 1 win over the Colts. A dominant effort by Texans running back Joe Mixon (30 carries, 159 yards) helped Houston keep control of the ball for 40 minutes. Against a 31st-ranked Colts defense, the Texans will continue to test whether Indianapolis can slow Mixon. The Colts expect All-Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to return from injury this week to provide a lift inside.

Reliable running would help Houston after a poor game from quarterback CJ Stroud (10 of 21, 86 passing yards) in the Week 7 loss to Green Bay. Stroud played well against Indianapolis in all three of his previous games. But the Texans are without winger – and noted Colts killer – Nico Collins.

The offense remains a work in progress for the Colts. Indianapolis QB Anthony Richardson is dead last among the starters in completion percentage and quarterback rating. Despite the struggles, Indianapolis is still finishing close games, winning four of its last five. Richardson also deserves credit for leading multiple second-half scoring plays during the Week 7 win over Miami.

A healthy Jonathan Taylor makes the difference for the Colts. The lead back’s biggest individual game during each of the past two seasons came against Houston. The Texans were also missing five defensive starters during Week 7 – with many of those same players showing up on the Week 8 injury report.

All odds from BetMGM. Looking for NFL tickets? Find them here.