Texans Seeing 69% of Bets vs Colts, but 58% of Money Is on Indianapolis at Home
- The Indianapolis Colts play host to the Houston Texans on Sunday with first place in the AFC South Division on the line
- Oddsmakers report that 69.4 percent of all against the spread wagers are placed on the Texans
- Meanwhile, 58.4 percent of all ATS money is backing the Colts
As the Indianapolis Colts battle the Houston Texans for top spot in the AFC South on Sunday, there’s little to choose between these two teams.
The Texans are 4-2. The Colts are 3-2. Houston won at Kansas City over the Chiefs. Indianapolis won at Kansas City over the Chiefs.
In fact, this game is such a toss up that oddsmakers aren’t offering moneyline wagering, and the point spread is listed as a pick in the Texans vs Colts odds.
The line opened at Houston -1. Early action on the Colts quickly shifted it to Indianapolis -1.5 before it rebounded to its current pick status.
Oddsmakers are reporting that against the spread bettors are of two minds on this game. They indicate that 69.4 percent of all ATS wagers are backing the Texans.
Houston Texans vs Indianapolis Colts Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Texans | n/a | Pick (-105) | Over 47.5 (-106) |
| Indianapolis Colts | n/a | Pick (-115) | Under 47.5 (-114) |
*Odds taken 10/19/19
However, 58.4 percent of ATS money is down on the Colts.
Division Title Up For Grabs?
For a Week 7 matchup to be called a huge divisional game might seem like a stretch, but the AFC South is clearly a two-team race between the Texans and the Colts.
Jacksonville and Tennessee have already surrendered. The 2-4 Jaguars traded their best player, cornerback Jalen Ramsey, to the Los Angeles Rams this week. The 2-4 Titans benched quarterback Marcus Mariota.
Colts week.#HOUvsIND | #TBT pic.twitter.com/FLVGJYU2KC
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) October 17, 2019
Oddly enough, both Houston and Indy come into this game off wins at Kansas City. The Colts, who lost at Kansas City in last season’s NFL Divisional playoff round, beat the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium two weeks ago, and then enjoyed their bye week. The Texans took a road decision over the Chiefs last week.
Colts vs Texans Will Contrast In Styles
Indy likes quarterback Jacoby Brissett to manage the game and rely on the running game of Marlon Mack. He’s second in the NFL in rushing attempts (20.2 per game) and seventh in rushing yards (470).
Texans. Marlon Mack run pic.twitter.com/NedwqSefne
— Not Chris Shepherd's Burner Account (@NotShepsBurner) October 14, 2019
Houston counts on QB Deshaun Watson’s dual threat of running and passing to win the day.
He’s produced a combination of 17 touchdowns via his arm and legs, with 12 through the air and five on the ground. Watson and Seattle’s Russell Wilson are deadlocked for the NFL lead in most TDs created.
Injuries a Factor
Both of Houston’s starting cornerbacks, Johnathan Jackson (hamstring) and Bradley Roby (hamstring), as well as starting free safety Tashaun Gipson Sr (hip/wrist), are questionable.
Bradley Roby now on the season
264 coverage snaps
32 targets
14 catches
157 yards
0 TDs
58.9 QB ratingFaced Brees, Minshew, Rivers, Allen, Ryan, Mahomes#Texans are really gonna miss him while @BradRoby_1 is out. But he will be back stronget than ever.
— Tony P (@NFL_TonyP) October 14, 2019
Starting right tackle Tytus Howard (knee) is out. The Texans find it hard enough to protect Watson with a healthy offensive line. He’s been sacked 18 times.
From what we saw at Colts' practice today: Didn't see Pierre Desir or Kenny Moore, neither of which practiced Wednesday or Thursday. Chatted w/ Desir earlier in this week, and he indicated he expected to play, but that's never a guarantee.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) October 18, 2019
For the Colts, nickel cornerback Kenny Moore (knee) is out. Safety Malik Hooker (torn meniscus) is doubtful.
Cornerback Pierre Desir (hamstring), who generally draws the assignment of covering Texans All-Pro wideout DeAndre Hopkins, is a game-time decision.
Colts Must Control Ball
Indy held on to the ball for 37:15 in the win over the Chiefs, effectively keeping reigning NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes off the field.
https://twitter.com/JaysonBraddock/status/1184945693603123212?s=20
They must do the same against Watson. If he gets the opportunity to work with his ability to improvise and create plays out of the nothing, that, combined with Houston’s top-10 rushing attack, will spell doom for the Colts.
Coming off the bye week and having an extra week to gameplan for Watson gives Indy the edge.
Pick: Indianapolis Colts Pick (-115).
An industry veteran, Bob literally taught the course on the history of sports at Elder College. He has worked as a Sports Columnist for Postmedia, appeared as a guest on several radio stations, was the Vice President of the Society For International Hockey Research in Ontario, and written 25 books.
