Colts vs. Texans Point Spread: NFL Week 8 Odds, Prediction
The Colts rolled to a 16-10 victory over the floundering Miami Dolphins last weekend and have closed the gap on the top of the divisional standings by posting wins in four of five outings. The Texans return home reeling from a 24-22 last-second loss in Green Bay that snapped a three-game surge but enjoy an impressive five-game win streak on home turf, during which they have given up just 14 points per game.
The Texans remain firmly entrenched as 5-point home favourites on the NFL Week 8 odds. The Colts trail as +200 underdogs on the NFL moneyline and the total is pegged at 45.5.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Sunday’s clash marks the second and final regular season meeting of the year between these AFC South rivals. The Texans escaped with a 29-27 win in Indianapolis in Week 1 and have now topped the Colts in three of four clashes. However, they have fallen to defeat in seven of the Colts’ past eight visits to Houston while averaging just 15.3 points per game over that span.
The Texans have also proven to be a streaky bet, going unbeaten ATS in their past three after failing to cover in the first four games on their schedule. Conversely, the Colts have consistently surpassed expectations during their current surge, compiling a 6-1 ATS record that features a pair of outright victories while pegged as betting underdogs.
Indianapolis Colts
For a third straight week, the Colts were forced to overcome an early deficit in last weekend’s date with the Dolphins, and once again it was the performance of kicker Matt Gay that proved to be the difference.
While the Colts were happy to get quarterback Anthony Richardson back under centre, the oft-injured second-year pivot was largely ineffective, completing just 41.7 per cent of pass attempts for 129 yards and failing to find the end zone for a third straight game. Richardson made up for his lack of success in the air by running 14 times for 56 yards, but his fragility and lack of production have started to raise questions about his durability and potential as an NFL starter, and whether veteran Joe Flacco should take over under centre the rest of the way.
Fortunately, Matt Gay has gotten the job when called upon, converting nine of ten field goal attempts over the past four weeks include a pair of late field goals that sealed the win.
Houston Texans
The Texans had their chances to lock up the win in last week’s visit to Lambeau Field. Houston seized the lead four times during the seesaw battle but was consistently frustrated by a stingy Packers defence that prevented the Texans from moving the ball inside the Green Bay 40-yard line and limited them to just three points after recess.
Indeed, it was one of the roughest outings that passer CJ Stroud has endured since making his spectacular NFL debut last season. Stroud mustered just 86 passing yards on meagre 10-for-21 passing while failing to find the end zone in a regular season game for the first time since December.
However, veteran rusher Joe Mixon picked up the slack while running for 115 yards and two scores and has averaged 100.3 rushing yards and scored five total touchdowns in four games since returning from an early-season injury. Expect the Texans to avenge themselves against a battered Colts squad.
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HOU