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Texans vs Colts Picks, Odds & Preview

Kevin Allen

by Kevin Allen in NFL Football

Updated Dec 19, 2020 · 6:47 AM PST

Philip Rivers throwing a pass in the pocket
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans during an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020. (Photo by Jeff Haynes/AP Images for Panini)
  • The Indianapolis Colts (9-4)  are 7-point favorites vs the Houston Texans (4-9) in a game the Colts need to win to stay in first place in the AFC South
  •  Sunday Betting Record: 5-9-0, -4.20 Units
  • See the game odds, spread, total, plus a preview below

The Indianapolis Colts  know that beating the Houston Texans Sunday (1 pm ET) is critical to their playoff aspirations this season.

The Colts (9-4) are tied with the Tennessee Titans for the AFC South lead, but none of the tiebreakers break in the Colts’ direction because of division records. Indianapolis is also tied with Cleveland for the top wild-card spot, but the Browns own the tiebreaker because they beat the Colts in October.

The Philip Rivers-led Colts do have a two-game lead over Las Vegas and one-game over Miami and Baltimore in the wild-card race.

The Colts just beat the Texans 26-20 two weeks ago in Houston.

Texans vs Colts Odds

Team Moneyline Spread Total
Houston Texans +290 -7 (-118) O 51.5 (-109)
Indianapolis Colts -357 -7 (-105) U 51.5 (-114)

Odds taken Dec. 19 from DraftKings

Jonathan Taylor’s Rise Lifting the Colts

The rookie Indy running back is pulling his all-around game together just at the time when the Colts need him most in their playoff push.

The Colts drafted him with the idea that his  running style would balance the Indy offense. He would be the consistent ground-gainer to set up the passing game. That’s exactly what has happened over the past three weeks as Taylor has run for 331 yards and a 6.0-yards-per-carry average. He’s also added another 83 yards on pass receptions.

Last week, the former Wisconsin standout rushed for 150 yards and two touchdowns in 20 carries against Las Vegas. In addition, Taylor is also helping the passing game by developing into an effective blocker. Coaches have lauded his improving ability to pick up the blitz to protect Rivers.

In the middle of the season, coaches made it clear that Taylor had work to do when they reduced his carries. Now they are treating him like a workhorse  back.

Texans Struggling to Protect Their QB

The Texans undoubtedly spent time this week trying to figure out how to buy time for quarterback DeShaun Watson to create offense. He has faced considerable defensive pressure this season, particularly over the past two games when he was sacked a total of 11 times.

Watson has been sacked 39 times this season. Only Carson Wentz (50) and Russell Wilson (40) have been sacked more. This isn’t new for Watson, who led the NFL with 55 sacks in 2019.

The offensive line needs to improve, but it’s not all their fault. Watson is an elusive performer who rarely quits on a play, and that results in more sacks. He is sacked on plays where other quarterbacks would have thrown the ball away.  Watson will hold the ball longer than average. It’s a challenging balance to find. Coaches don’t want to discourage Watson from trying to make things happen. But they also don’t want to see him beat up every week.

Colts Punter Returns to Lineup after Cancer Surgery

Rigoberto Sanchez, the Colts punter, is expected to return to the lineup Sunday, just over two weeks after surgery to remove a malignant tumor. Sanchez hasn’t revealed what kind of cancer he has, but says the prognosis is good.

No player has been ruled out for the Colts, but tight end Mo-Ali Cox (knee), tackle Anthony Castonzo (knee) and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (ankle) are questionable.

Houston running backs Duke Johnson (neck) and CJ Prosise (ankle), cornerback Phillip Gaines (knee), safety Lonnie Johnson (knee) and cornerback John Reid are questionable.

 

Colts Peaking at Right Time

The numbers are right to take the Colts and give the points. The Colts have won four of their last five and six of their last eight. Indy is also 8-5 against the spread this season. Meanwhile, the Texans are 1-3 against the spread when they are road underdogs.

Pick:  Colts -7 (-105)

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