The NFL season is going strong as we enter Week 6. Two 1-4 teams will face off in a Sunday afternoon matchup. The Houston Texans will head to Indianapolis to take on the Colts. It's time to continue our NFL odds series and make a Texans-Colts prediction and pick.
This is a game of pride. Both of these teams are an embarrassing 1-4 and are looking for redemption. While arguments can be made about tanking and doing what's best for the team long-term, no one likes to lose. These two teams will battle hard on Sunday.
Here's how the bookmakers have set the Texans-Colts odds for Sunday's matchup.
NFL Odds: Texans-Colts Odds
Houston Texans +9.5 (-113)
Indianapolis Colts -9.5 (-107)
Over 42.5 (-110)
Under 42.5 (-110)
*Watch NFL games LIVE with fubo TV (click for free trial)*
Why The Texans Could Win
The Texans are 1-4 heading into this matchup but are coming off a narrow loss. Last Sunday they faced off against the Patriots in a game that went down to the wire. Houston was up for the vast majority of the game. A lapse in the fourth quarter resulted in a loss for the Texans. If Houston can manage to hold it together for four quarters this week, they have a shot at being competitive with Indianapolis.
One of the major takeaways of last week's game was that Davis Mills was starting to get going. Mills has been having a tough 2021, but last week he looked good. He completed 21 of 29 pass attempts. Mills also threw for over 300 yards and 3 touchdowns, with no interceptions. The Texans quarterback was able to set the pace for a game that Houston looked poised to win. If Davis Mills can continue to perform as he did in Week 5 then Texans fans should feel optimistic about this matchup.
Another huge factor for Houston is their run game. The Texans have yet to iron out their problems in the backfield. Mark Ingram has gotten a majority of the carries but has yet to capitalize. The Texans backfield is essentially a committee. Between Ingram, Phillip Lindsay, and David Johnson, there is enough talent for the Texans to establish a good run game. Whether they need to scheme their runs better or divide carries, if Houston can fix this problem everything else should fall into place.
Why The Colts Could Win
While both the Colts and the Texans are 1-4 they are a very different type of 1-4. There's a reason that the Colts line is -9.5. The Colts are a good team. They haven't lost by more than two possessions this season. Indianapolis has been very competitive and tough to play against.
In Week 5, Indianapolis took the Ravens to overtime in a very exciting matchup. Baltimore is a great team and the Colts proved why they shouldn't be overlooked. Just because their record says 1-4 doesn't mean that they are on the same level as the Texans. If a few possessions just played out differently, the Colts could easily be 3-2.
This week the Colts will face one of the worst defenses in the league. The Texans allow nearly 400 yards of offense to opposing teams. They especially struggle to control the ground game. Houston allows over 130 rushing yards to opponents. A strong Indianapolis backfield will look to capitalize on this weakness. Jonathan Taylor should have a monster game. The ground game will then set up Carson Wentz to take over and let the ball fly.
Wentz is coming off a great showing against Baltimore. He threw for over 400 yards and 2 touchdowns. The former MVP candidate is beginning to look like himself again. His career may have peaked in Philadelphia, but Wentz is coming back strong. Wentz continues to gain confidence and play good football. The Colts quarterback should be able to lead his team to a victory.
Final Texans-Colts Prediction & Pick
Indianapolis should win this game handily. There's a reason that the line is set where it is. The Texans and the Colts truly are very different 1-4 teams. The Texans have lost by 10 or more in three games this season. The Colts have managed to be competitive with some of the best teams in the league. Even with a line of -9.5 you should pick the Colts to win and cover.
Indianapolis should be able to establish their run game early. This will then set up Carson Wentz to take over and notch the Colts their second victory of the season.
FINAL TEXANS-COLTS PICK: Indianapolis Colts -9.5 (-113)
Follow Us
Subscribe