For the third time this season, the Indianapolis Colts and the Houston Texans are going to share the field, though, this time around, it’s going to be a do-or-die affair. Will the Colts upset Deshaun Watson and the Texans on the road? Or will Houston send the Colts to the offseason? The sportsbook expects a close one, favoring the Texans by just 2.5-points.
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Betting Preview for the Indianapolis Colts vs Houston Texans NFL Wild Card Round Game on January 5 2019
Where: NRG Stadium, Houston
When: Saturday, January 5, 2018, 4:35 PM ET
Line: Indianapolis Colts (+2.5) vs Houston Texans (-2.5) – view all 2018 NFL lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
Betting on the Indianapolis Colts (10-6)
The Colts are entering the playoffs as arguably the hottest team right now. They have won all of their last four games and seven of their last eight. That stretch includes their 33-17 dismantling of a Marcus Mariota-less Tennessee Titans in Week 17 on the road. Colts quarterback Andrew Luck must feel equal parts happy and relieved that he’s now back playing in the playoffs, thanks to his play and the offensive line in front of him. Against the Titans, Luck went 24-of-35 for 285 passing yards and three touchdowns with an interception, while also getting sacked just once. That the Colts beat Houston the last time these two teams met should be a big moral booster for Indianapolis, which saw Luck and receiver T.Y. Hilton team up to embarrass the Texans’ defense in a 24-21 road win back in Week 14. Luck passed for 399 yards in that game, while Hilton had 199 receiving yards on nine catches.
The Colts are 3-1 ATS in their last four road games.
Betting on the Houston Texans (11-5)
The Texans have been up and down of late, but at least they finished the regular season on a positive note by taking down the Jacksonville Jaguars at home, 20-3. Houston showed the Jags no mercy, especially on defense, as the Texans held their opponents to a pathetic total of 119 yards. On the flipside, Deshaun Watson and company racked up 342 total yards. Watson, however, was sacked six times for a loss of 26 yards. It’s still not too late for the Texans to fix their pass protection issues, but the good thing for them is that Watson is mobile and quick enough to avoid potential sacks. Watson has been sacked 12 times in two meetings so far this season with the Colts, so Houston does not have to be reminded to tighten up its offensive line. The Texans also saw Lamar Miller return after missing Week 16 with an ankle injury. He looked fine and healthy in the Jags game, rushing for 66 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. He’ll be a key complement for Watson, who passed for 375 yards and two touchdowns with an interception on 29-of-42 completions during the Texans’ 37-34 overtime win at home over Indianapolis back in Week 4.
When playing at home so far this season, the Texans are 6-2 straight up (SU) and 4-4 against the spread (ATS) but Houston has gone 4-1 ATS in its last five home games.
Writer’s Prediction
Indianapolis wins, 28-24.
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