Thursday Night NFL Predictions: Colts vs Texans Odds

The Colts won’t be relying on luck anymore, now that their star quarterback, Andrew Luck, will be back in their game against the Houston Texans for Thursday Night Football. 

Continue reading for our exclusive Colts vs Texans predictions, betting preview and free pick. 

Indianapolis Colts vs Houston Texans

• Time: Thursday, October 8, 8:25 PM ET
• Place: NRG Stadium, Houston

Indianapolis Colts Analysis

Andrew Luck is back in the fold, after having recovered from a shoulder injury that kept him off the field for the first time in his NFL career. Even without Luck, the Colts relied on fill-in QB Matt Hasselbeck, who was able to lead his team to victory against the Jaguars. 

Kicker Adam Vinatieri scored the game-winning field goal in overtime to finish the game with a score of 16-13. The win moved the Colts to 2-2 this season and inched them closer to the postseason. 

Although they managed to win, the Colts are still struggling offensively. Their running game is still not up to speed, with running backs Frank Gore and Josh Robinson combining for a pathetic 55 yards on 20 carries. 

They’re also struggling on defense, not being able to stop the run against the Jaguars, allowing running back TJ Yeldon to pick up 4.8 yards per carry. With Jerrell Freeman now out with a groin injury, it could further weaken their defense against Houston on Thursday. Their secondary defense has been riddled with injuries, with Greg Toler, Darius Butler, and Jalil Brown all out, putting pressure on corner Vontae Davis to stop the Texans’ passing game. 

Houston Texans Analysis

The Texans were crushed by the Falcons on Sunday, being down 42-0 through three quarters. QB Ryan Mallett was benched in favor Brian Hoyer who picked up 232 yards and two touchdowns. The Texans are now 1-3, without too much hope of making it to the postseason the way they’re playing. 

Rookie running back Arian Foster was no help for the running game, only picking up 54 yards on eight carries. Foster needs to step up, if the Texans are to make it to the postseason and pick up any wins this season. 

The Texans also lost wide receiver Cecil Shorts to a shoulder injury, which would have given them some needed depth in the passing game. 

The only positive note for Houston’s offense is DeAndre Hopkins, who has 31 catches for 358 passing yards and three touchdowns this year.

On defense, the Texans probably don’t have much to worry about against the Colts because of Indianapolis’ lack of a running game. Their linebackers should also be able to get to Luck by running through a weak offensive line. 

NFL Game Odds: The Indianapolis Colts are the road favorite by 3 points; the total is currently at 46. 

Colts vs Texans Picks: The Texans will continue their slump and lose at home. The Colts will win and cover the spread, take Indianapolis at -3.