The AFC South Division is undoubtedly one of the most complicated in the NFL this season. Entering Week 18 of the regular season, the Jaguars, Colts, and Texans currently have 9-7 records. The stakes are high, as all three teams will be fighting tooth and nail for the chance to punch their ticket for the playoffs.
This Saturday night we’ve got a potentially great game between the Colts and the Texans, two of those teams with surprisingly average 9-7 records, still fighting to win their division.
When: Saturday, January 6 at 08:15 PM ET at Lucas Oil Stadium
Moneyline odds:
Colts 1.99
Texans 1.82
Where Can I Watch? NFL Network, ESPN, and CBS
Why Bet on the Colts?
The Colts have had a solid season, with a 9-7 record. Led by a dynamic quarterback, Gardner Minshew, their offense has been firing on all cylinders.
Running back Jonathan Taylor has become one of the best in the league, and his offensive line has done an excellent job protecting Minshew. Defensively, the Colts have been solid, with playmakers like receiver Michael Pittman Jr. anchoring the unit.
If the Colts defeat the Texans, they/ll advance to the postseason; if they fall short, they will be out. If the Tennessee Titans defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars, they can secure the AFC South.
The Colts are coming off a 23-20 win over the Raiders. Precisely, Taylor was the standout point in this game, as his excellent 96 yards for 21 cars were key in a game where Minshew was not better than his rival.
Why Bet on the Texans?
On the other hand, the Texans have faced a similar run this season, with a 9-7 record to date. As we can see, like the Colts, they are one victory away from winning the AFC South and, above all, from qualifying for the postseason.
Therefore, this match becomes much more relevant for them, as contrary to their rivals, it would mean their first postseason qualification since 2020 and their first divisional title in the same amount of time.
To secure the AFC South Division and guarantee their spot in the postseason, the Texans must defeat Indianapolis, while Jacksonville must lose or tie with the Titans. Now, if they win or tie and the Jaguars and Pittsburgh lose, they can make it to the postseason, even if they don’t win the South Division.
The Texans are coming off a crushing 26-3 win over the Titans. CJ Stroud, the breakthrough star of the season, had another remarkable day, with 24 successful passes, 213 yards, and 1 TD pass. Independent from what happens this Sunday, the Texans have one of the best, if not the best, QB projects in the entire NFL.
Final Betting Analysis: Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans
This game has occurred in a total of 44 opportunities in the history of the NFL, and, in this period, we have that the Colts widely lead the series with 33 wins. On the other hand, the Texans have only ten wins, while one game ended with a tie on the scoreboard.
At the Gambyl Betting Exchange, the Moneyline that favors the Houston Texans at 1.9 odds, while the Indianapolis Colts start at 2.06.
Apart from the heavy history in favor of the home team, the reality is that these teams have performed nearly equally throughout the regular season. The odds slightly favor the Texans, but we believe this is due to the faith put in the performance of young sensation Stroud.
This match-up already gave us a win for the Colts at the start of the season, and we believe that Indianapolis will do it again. Whatever the final outcome, expect a high-scoring game, as it’s now or never for both teams.
Look for a win in the Colts’ Moneyline. For example, if you put $100 on them at 2.06, you’ll see a $106.00 success with a total payout of $206.00. Add to your bankroll by taking the Over with 1.92 odds.
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