This is a win-win match between two AFC South teams as Indianapolis Colts host the Houston Texans this Saturday for that Week 18 game. However, it's not just about a playoff spot up for grabs. With the Jacksonville Jaguars ready to face the Tennessee Titans On Sunday, the winner of this game could set up a playoff game if the Jaguars lose.
It's been a while since these two teams have played each other, and each team is drastically different than in Week 2. Anthony Richardson is no longer the quarterback of Indianapolis. The Colts return Jonathan Taylor is healthy and the Texans quarterback CJ Stroud became a superstar. With all of this in mind, it's hard to imagine a result as one-sided as we saw in Week 2, where the Colts won by double digits.
Here are some predictions for this crucial Week 18 matchup.
Predictions for Texans vs. Colts:
Sports betting feed: Foals (+1)
NFL STATS CENTER: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.
Sportsbook Wire points out that as a one-point favorite or more this year, the Texans have only covered two out of seven games. The Colts will likely try to stall out and barely eke out a win.
CBS Sports: Texans 31, Colts 26
Pete Prisco writes: “The winner of this game will make the playoffs and could win the AFC South if Jacksonville loses to the Titans. The Texans are a different team with CJ Stroud, who played well last week after missing two games .I think he plays a good game here and the Texans qualify for the playoffs.”
FOX Sports: Indianapolis 24, Houston 22
FOX Sports likes the Colts here for many of the same reasons as Sportsbook Wire. The Texans are just 2-5 ATS as one-point or more favorites this season. Any loss to the ATS as a one-point favorite means a loss, so the Colts are the pick here.
PariMGM: Houston Texans ML
BetMGM writes: “Houston ranks 12th in total DVOA, while the Colts are 19th, according to ftnfantasy.com. Additionally, Houston's defense has improved significantly since these teams first met. Going back to Week 8, the Texans are 12th in defensive EPA. per game and third in success rate.
How to watch Texans vs. Colts: TV, streaming and schedule
When: Saturday, January 6, 8:15 p.m. ET
Or: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Cable television: ESPN, ABC
Streaming: ESPN+, YouTube TV, Sling TV, FuboTV
Watch the game:Stream all the action from NFL Week 18 with Fubo
Texans vs. Colts Odds, Spreads and Lines
The Texans are slightly favored to defeat the Colts, according to the BetMGM NFL Odds. Looking to bet? Check best mobile sports betting apps offer NFL Betting Promotions in 2023.
All odds Thursday.
- Spread: Texans (-1)
- Money line: Texans (-120); Colts (+100)
- More less : 47.5
Injury News:
Houston Texans Injury Report:
| Name | Position | Injury | Status |
| Will Anderson Jr. | OF | Ankle | Questionable |
| Noah Brown | W.R. | Back | Out |
| Malik Collins | D.T. | Hip | Questionable |
| Sheldon Rankins | D.T. | Ankle | Questionable |
| Laremy tounsille | OT | Elder | Questionable |
| Robert Bois | W.R. | Hip | Questionable |
Indianapolis Colts Injury Report:
| Name | Position | Injury | Status |
| Ryan Kelly | VS | Ankle | Questionable |
| Nelson Nelson | O.G. | Ankle | Questionable |
| Kenny Moore II | CB | Back | Questionable |
| Zack Moss | R.B. | Forearm | Questionable |
| Brad Smith | OT | Knee | Questionable |
| Cameron McGrone | kg | Disease | In good health |
NFL Week 18:Will the Texans or Colts complete their final push to the playoffs?
We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking on one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, which does not influence our coverage.
Gannett can earn revenue from sports betting operators through public referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over this revenue and are in no way dependent on or connected to newsrooms or media coverage. Conditions apply, check the operator's website for terms and conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1 -800-9- WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 years or older to play. Sports betting and gambling are not legal everywhere. Be sure to comply with applicable laws where you reside.