Colts vs. Texans Week 1 NFL Picks: Can Lovie Smith Spoil Matt Ryan’s Indy Debut?

Colts traded for 15-year veteran Matt Ryan to quarterback their team. Ryan led the Atlanta Falcons to six playoff appearances and three division titles in his time with the team, including a Super Bowl appearance in Superbowl LI. The Texans promoted Lovie Smith to head coach. Smith has an 89-87 coaching record and an 84-94-4 against the spread record.

Colts and Texans play each other on Sunday, September 11 at 1 p.m. ET at NRG Stadium in Houston. The weather is 91 degrees, 0% chance of precipitation, 6-mph winds.

Colts are 7.5-point favorites against Texans. Over/Under is 45. The Over is supported by 74% of tickets and 80% on the handle.

Colts vs. Texans is a game that Lovie Smith is picking.

Matt Ryan will make his debut for the Colts. Ryan finished last season with 3,968 passing yards but only a 90.4 quarterback rating. Jonathan Taylor led the league in rushing last year with 1,811 yards. Texans quarterback Davis Mills will look to improve in his second year in the NFL.

The biggest improvement for the Texans should be in the run game. Rookie Dameon Pierce, a fourth-round pick out of Florida, will take lead rushing duties. The Colts will continue to hand the ball to the best back in NFL, Andrew Luck.

Colts vs. Texans is a game where the Texans are going to run the ball to control the clock. Pierce will get the bulk of the carries and I like him to exceed 47.5 yards.

Colts vs. Texans is a game on 9/9/2022 at 9:21 a.m. ET.