Indianapolis Colts vs Houston Texans Prediction, Odds, Best Bets NFL Week 2

• The Colts and Texans meet in Week 2 on Sunday
• Houston is a very slim 1-point favorite in this battle of rookie quarterbacks
• Below, find the odds, preview, and Colts vs Texans prediction

Week 2 will bring an intriguing matchup between two of the top quarterbacks taken in the 2023 NFL Draft as Anthony Richardson’s Indianapolis Colts visit CJ Stroud and the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. The kick-off is scheduled for 1 PM ET. The game can be seen on FOX in the States and read on for our Colts vs Texans picks.

The Colts lost their season opener by a score of 31-21 to the Jacksonville Jaguars, but there were some positive takeaways. The Texans also tasted defeat, falling to the Baltimore Ravens 25-9. This is their home debut. It’s important to note that Stroud is questionable on Sunday, but we’ll discuss that more in-depth below.

Colts vs Texans Odds

The Texans are a slim 1-point favorite with a moneyline of -118. The Colts come back at -102. The total in points is set at 39.5. The over has been hit in two straight meetings, too.

Colts vs Texans odds as of September 15th from DraftKings Sportsbook. Be sure to claim a DraftKings promo code when placing your NFL Week 2 bets.

As for head-to-head, Houston just edged out Indy 32-31 last year but prior to that, the Colts were unbeaten in five matchups with the Texans dating back to 2020.

Colts vs Texans Injury Report

As always, there’s no shortage of injuries on both sides heading into Week 2. The Colts just placed rookie running back Evan Hull on the Injured Reserve, while guard Quentin Nelson missed most of the week with a toe injury sustained in the opener. He’s questionable. TE Drew Ogletree was a limited participant in practice Friday and could be ready to go. RB Zack Moss appears to be fully healthy, which is fantastic news.

Friday’s #INDvsHOU injury report pic.twitter.com/stdPXCs8zS

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) September 15, 2023

When it comes to the Texans, Stroud is the No. 1 concern. The rookie signal-caller practiced most of the week but on Friday, he missed out with a shoulder injury. He’s got a questionable tag right now. If he can’t go in this AFC South showdown, it’ll be either Davis Mills or Case Keenum. The Houston secondary also appears to be in trouble with Jalen Pitre and Jimmie Ward hurt. DeMeco Ryans’ best offensive tackle, Laremy Tunsil, is questionable.

Clear Opportunity For Richardson

Despite limited starting experience at the college level, the Colts took a chance on Richardson thanks to his sheer athleticism and cannon of an arm. And in Week 1, he showed glimpses of why Jim Irsay and Co. drafted him.

The ex-Florida standout completed 24 of 37 passes for 223 yards and a touchdown while throwing one pick. Although Richardson was sacked four times, he also ran for 40 yards on 10 carries including a TD.

Seeing Anthony Richardson's family celebrate his first NFL touchdown is everything 🫶

📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/9fct4Q7yAy

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 10, 2023

With Ward and Pitre ruled out on Sunday, that opens up a clear opportunity for Richardson to put in work downfield. Those two are tremendous safeties and it will be hard for Houston to replace their playmaking abilities. Taking advantage by getting the likes of Michael Pittman, Josh Downs, and Kylen Granson involved will be key.

Expect the Texans to Run

Whether Stroud suits up or not, there’s no way he throws the ball so much in Week 2. The quarterback attempted 44 passes and completed 28 for 242 yards. Not bad, but it didn’t result in a single touchdown and his O-line struggled. Stroud was sacked five times.

With Houston having to play from behind, the run game became non-existent. That will certainly not be the case Sunday on home soil. The Colts allowed Travis Etienne to rush for over 75 yards last week and don’t necessarily have a great run defense. Dameon Pierce should be very busy after picking up just 38 yards on 11 carries in the first game of the campaign. Also, if Stroud plays, he’ll be a factor on the ground.

Colts vs Texans Prediction

Indianapolis has now lost eight straight contests dating back to 2022. During that span, they own a brutal 2-6 ATS record. But, the Texans are without far too many key players for me to take them and that’s not even considering Stroud’s status. With the spread so small, I like the Colts’ moneyline. After all, they’ve won seven of the previous 10 SU against Houston.

Colts vs Texans Picks: Colts moneyline -102