Colts vs Texans Prediction: Comeback win can seal playoffs for Houston

Week 18 is here and signifies the end of the NFL Regular Season. However, there are still some huge games left to settle and not many more bigger than the AFC South match-up between the Indianapolis Colts and the Houston Texans, in the early hours of Sunday morning (01:15). We've taken a look and given you our view on who we think will prevail. 

The ultra competitive AFC South has three sides (these two franchises and the Jacksonville Jaguars) locked on identical 9-7 records, with all to play for on the final game week. With the Jags holding advantage and a likely winnable game against the Titans in the offing to clinch the division, it will be up to either of these two outfits to win up and take a wildcard spot in the playoffs. But which one will it be?

The Colts obviously have home-field advantage and beat Houston already back in week two, but that was with Anthony Richardson at QB and the Texans were a very different outfit from the current one under C.J. Stroud.

Now, Indy are reliant on some more Gardner Minshew magic and the running power of Jonathan Taylor. Meanwhile C.J. Stroud has cut out the INT's and maintained the kind of numbers that make him look a shoo-in for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

Team news

Shane Steichen looks to have a pretty much full complement of players, with only Ryan Kelly an issue and wearing a walking boot.

For the Texans, there are much bigger issues, with as many as seven players not practicing on Wednesday, including four defensive linesman who are the teams sack leaders. They are also missing two of their starting wide receivers. Obviously this could change before Saturday night but it doesn't look good currently.

Game odds

As befits such an occasion, the two sides are difficult to split in the current betting odds, with Houston a narrow -1.5 favourite. On the Money Line the Texans are 5/6, with the Colts slightly bigger at Evens.

The under/over spread is presently set at 46.5 points, so this looks like it could be a bit of a shootout.

Houston Texans to win - 5/6

The nerves are gonna be jangling and then some on Saturday night in Lucas Oil Stadium, with this essentially resembling a winner-takes-all playoff game.

The odds show that the contest is more than likely going to be a close one but I just think the X-factor of Stroud and DeMeco Ryans can lead the Texans to yet another upset win.

The rookie QB threw for 384 yards in that week two match up but it still wasn't enough to get Houston the W. However, he is now a much more rounded talent and you get the feeling if he'd not have gotten injured, the Texans would have already won the division.

Houston's defense is also under-rated and it showed it's strength in holding Tennessee to just three points last weekend.

Yes, Minshew has somehow dragged this team to the brink of a playoff place but I just think that Stroud outguns him here.

Colts/Texans - Double Result - 5/1

Doubling down on my first pick and I like the look of Indianapolis to be leading at the half before Stroud inspires Houston to another comeback win.

The Colts will likely rely on the run game early and I think we will see Taylor in the end-zone in the opening two quarters.

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