Colts vs. Texans Predictions, Picks & Odds Week 2: Rookie QBs Face Off in Houston

Our Colts vs. Texans predictions based on the best NFL odds from our best sports betting apps focus on how highly-drafted rookie quarterbacks Anthony Richardson and C.J. Stroud will lead their respective offenses in this early AFC South showdown.

While the Indianapolis Colts definitely showed signs offensively in Week 1 with rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson at the helm, their defense looked lost in the 31-21 home loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

It was similar for the Houston Texans. They lost 25-9 on the road to the Baltimore Ravens, and first-year quarterback C.J. Stroud and the offense lacked polish. 

How will the rookie QBs fare in the Week 2, head-to-head matchup in Houston?

Hereis our best Colts vs. Texans prediction and our NFL best bets for Week 2, NFL upset picks and NFL player props (odds via our best NFL betting sites; pick confidence based on a1-to-5-star scale).

Colts vs. Texansprediction

Texans -1 (-110 via BetMGM, Caesars,bet365) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Evenat home, the Texans being favored over the Colts after theirrespective offensive showing a week ago is probably a surprise, but advantagesdo exist for Houston in this matchup.

TheTexans lost some resolve defensively against QB Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens inthe second half last week, but Houston held that Baltimore offense to just seven points through 30 minutes. Houston actually out-gained theRavens in total yardage, 268 to 265. So while the scoreboard reflected asizable loss, Houston’s D generally held the shifty Jackson (169 passingyards, 38 rushing yards) in check.

Thatcould be encouraging coming into a contest with the dual-threat Richardson, whohasn't yet proven his passing chops to Jackson’s level at this stageof his career. For Houston’s defense to hang in there like it did on the road,how much more crisp might the unit be hosting the Colts this week?

There’sstill the matter of Stroud's offense, but the Jaguars managed 31points at Indy last week. If Stroud avoids careless mistakes and leans onrunning back Dameon Pierce for an efficient rushing outing, I like the Texansto shorten this game and win it ugly. Houston by a field goal.

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Colts vs. Texansbest odds

BetMGM,Caesars,bet365: Texans -1 (-110)

DraftKingsand FanDuel list the Texans at -1.5, a decrease in the quality of the offering at BetMGM, Caesars, and bet365. DK’s discounted -108 odds on Houston aren’tenough to offset the value of the -1 line the other shops provided, all withstandard -110 odds.

While the Texans are worth playing up to -2.5, the play isreduced to a three-star recommendation if the board moves to join DraftKingsand FanDuel at Houston -1.5.

Colts vs. Texansodds

TheTexans opened as 1.5-point home favorites and remained there at a coupleof spots while dipping to -1 at others. Only 33% of wagers on the spread came in on Houston.

Thetotal opened at 40.5 and dropped by a point to 39.5 across our best sports betting apps. More than 54% of wagers on the total were placed on the Over.

Colts vs. Texansgame info

• When: Sunday, Sept. 17 at 1 p.m. ET
• Where: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
• How to watch: FOX
• Weather: Indoors

Colts-Texans prediction made Friday, Sept. 15at 2:20 p.m. ET

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