The Indianapolis Colts will host the Houston Texans in a key AFC South showdown Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium. With both teams sitting at 9-7 and trailing the division-leading Jacksonville Jaguars (also 9-7) on tiebreakers, the winner of this season finale will earn at least a wild card spot, while the loser will miss the playoffs. If the Jaguars lose to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, the winner of this game would also win the AFC South.
The line has the Texans at [metabet_core_dynamic_odds market=”spread-away” query=”536150″ site_id=”legalsportsreport”] on the spread, and the total is [metabet_core_dynamic_odds market=”overUnder” query=”536150″ site_id=”legalsportsreport”] points. Below, we take a closer look at Saturday’s Colts vs. Texans matchup, with info on the odds, betting lines, and player props for the Week 18 game.
Colts looking to maintain playoff position in battle of first-year coaches
Shane Steichen has had an impressive year with the Colts after going to the Super Bowl as the Eagles’ offensive coordinator last season. Indianapolis is 7-4 against AFC opponents and 6-0 straight up when favored this season. The Colts have found success with Jonathan Taylor missing extended time due to an ankle injury and contract dispute, followed by a thumb injury. Gardner Minshew has manned the quarterback position since Anthony Richardson (shoulder) was lost for the season in Week 4.
C.J. Stroud and DeMeco Ryans aim to lead Texans into the playoffs
Both Steichen and DeMeco Ryans have exceeded expectations in their first year as head coaches. Ryans, the former defensive coordinator for the 49ers, has fixed Houston’s league-worst rush defense with help from some young defensive line talent, including No. 4 overall pick Will Anderson. The No. 2 overall pick, C.J. Stroud, is an overwhelming favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year and is looking to lead Houston to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
Colts’ secondary versus Texans’ receivers
When these teams met in Week 2, the Colts built an early lead before Stroud led a comeback effort and finished with 384 yards on a whopping 47 attempts. Nico Collins produced 146 yards on seven receptions and will be the top target for Stroud with rookie Tank Dell (leg) out for the season. Wide receiver Noah Brown and tight end Dalton Schultz have emerged as excellent weapons for Stroud during the second half. The Indianapolis defense is holding opponents to the eighth-lowest conversion rate (37%) on third downs and posting the sixth-highest sack rate (8.3%) this season.
Texans’ defense versus Colts’ running game
The Colts are averaging 147.8 rushing yards per game at home and 4.8 yards per carry compared to 81.3 rushing yards per game at 3.3 yards per carry on the road. Jonathan Taylor has been the focal point of their offense since he returned from a thumb injury three games ago. The Texans are allowing the third-fewest rushing yards per game (88.5) this season after yielding the most yards per game on the ground last year. They’ve held opponents to 3.0 yards per carry on the road.
Colts vs. Texans odds and betting lines
The Colts are at [metabet_core_dynamic_odds market=”spread-home” query=”536150″ site_id=”legalsportsreport”] on the spread in this matchup, and the over/under line is [metabet_core_dynamic_odds market=”overUnder” query=”536150″ site_id=”legalsportsreport”], though that could shift based on news and betting action.
[metabet_core_odds_board query=”536150″ site_id=”legalsportsreport”]
Colts vs. Texans player and team props
Below, we will take a look at some player props for this matchup. If you are located in a state where pick’em contests are legal, feel free to check out our PrizePicks and Betr Picks reviews.
[metabet_core_side_odds_table query=”nfl/gardner_minshew” hide_search=”no” hide_consensus=”yes” providers=”draftkings, fanduel, mgm, pointsbet, bet_365″ hide_location=”yes” league=”nfl” site_id=”legalsportsreport” rows=”10″]
Colts vs. Texans head to head
| STATS | 
Colts
IND | 
Texans
HOU |
|---|---|---|
| Offense Ranking OFF RNK | 13th | 22nd |
| Defense Ranking DEF RNK | 29th | 6th |
| Offense Net Yards Per Game OFF NET YPG | 334.8 | 319.7 |
| Defense Net Yards Per Game DEF NET YPG | 361.2 | 315 |
| Passing Yards Per Game PASS YPG | 197.7 | 207.4 |
| Turnovers Committed Per Game TOC PG | 1.7 | 1.1 |
Colts vs. Texans injury report
| Player | Pos Position | Injury | Status | Snaps/g Snaps Per Game | Comment | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |||||||||||
All four of Houston’s starting defensive linemen missed practice Wednesday in what could be gamesmanship or simply a designated day of rest. Will Anderson (ankle) returned from a two-game absence in Week 17 against the Titans. Sheldon Rankins (ankle), Jonathan Greenard (ankle), and Maliek Collins (hip) should be active in Week 18. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil (groin) returned to practice and appears probable. Receivers Noah Brown (back) and Robert Woods (hip) are questionable.
