Week 18 is full of pivotal NFL matchups as teams across the league are jockeying for playoff positioning during the final weekend of the regular season. And then there’s this AFC South showdown between the Houston Texans (2-13-1, 2-6 Away) and Indianapolis Colts (4-11-1, 2-5 Home). Kickoff from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indy is scheduled for 1:00 on Sunday and will be broadcast on CBS.
It will be interesting to see how many bettors include this game in their NFL picks and parlays as these two are battling more for next year’s draft slots, having long been eliminated from playoff contention. But that’s why we’re here, so continue reading for our Texans vs. Colts prediction. Stay tuned to the NFL Playoff Bracket.
Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts Odds
Best NFL Picks Week 18
Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts (-2.5)
Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts Information
Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts
Location of the game: Lucas Oil Stadium
Time: 1:00 pm EST
How to watch: CBS, NFL+
Houston Texans Analysis
Offense:
The offense has struggled mightily this season, and that’s clearly obvious simply by scanning the Houston Texans standings. They’ll enter Week 18 ranked dead last in the league in yards per game and tied for second to last in points per game with 16.1.
NFL player stats show that Houston’s most successful on offense has come on the ground. Running back Dameon Pierce is the league’s 14th leading rusher with 939 yards, but he’s only reached the end zone four times on run plays. And, of course, his name stands out the most when checking the NFL injury report, as the rookie was put on IR with an ankle injury a few weeks back, ending his debut season.
Defense:
The NFL team stats for the Texans on the other side of the ball aren’t much better. They’re third from the bottom in yards per game allowed (378.4) and they’re in the bottom 1/4th of the league, allowing 24.3 points per game.
On the bright side, the Texans’ front office can pinpoint Jalen Pitre as a building-block type player as they continue their rebuild. The rookie second-rounder from Baylor is 10th in the NFL in tackles with 139, and his five interceptions are just one behind the league high this season. Keep reading for analysis to help you make a Texans vs. Colts prediction.
Indianapolis Colts Analysis
Offense:
It hasn’t been much different for their opponent this year as a look at the Indianapolis Colts schedule finds them just two games ahead of Houston with one to play. Indy has used three different quarterbacks this season and replaced head coach Frank Reich midseason with Jeff Saturday.
Sam Ehlinger will make his third start of the season after taking over for an injured Nick Foles last week against the Giants. Matt Ryan, who had been the primary starting signal-caller, but has been benched on two separate occasions, will serve as the backup in the finale.
Defense:
These are two teams who give up a lot of points as the Colts enter this matchup having allowed 24.7 ppg, fifth-worst in the NFL.
Zaire Franklin has been a revelation, however, stepping up in the absence of All-Pro Shaq Leonard. Franklin, a 26-year old linebacker, is fourth in the league with 160 tackles, and he’s also added two sacks and two forced fumbles.
NFL Stats and Standings
Let’s examine the NFL standings. Houston is 2-13-1 on the year and will finish the campaign without a home victory. They have a clear path to the top pick in next April’s NFL Draft, but they also own Cleveland’s first-round pick as a result of the Deshaun Watson trade, which could end up being another top-10 selection. How does that factor in when making a Texans vs. Colts prediction?
Indianapolis enters this game with a record of 4-11-1, with two wins coming on their home turf. These two clubs met in the season opener, resulting in a 20-20 tie. No single team in NFL history has had two ties in the same season, and yet the possibility looms that two teams could accomplish that here.
Most Remarkable Player for this Matchup
- Davis Mills (QB): 2,820 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, 13 interceptions
- Matt Ryan (QB): 3,057 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, 13 interceptions
Jonathan Taylor (RB): 861 rushing yards, four touchdowns (on injured reserve)
It’s not one of the more compelling games on the NFL schedule, but sometimes, those end up being the most entertaining.
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.