We have an AFC South showdown on the docket for Sunday Night Football this week. The 2-3 Indianapolis Colts will head to the Lone Star State to take on division rivals, the Houston Texans. The Colts, who I feel like are favored most weeks for some reason, are finally an underdog. They come off a home win against the Chicago Bears in week five. Week five saw the Texans drop their second game of the season, in a loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
The Colts have no defense. It is plain and simple. They do have some offensive weapons however, and that is how they stay in ballgames. When the line can keep Andrew Luck on his feet, he is one of the most dangerous players in the NFL. But when he gets no protection, he suffers since he has to run for his life. Star wide receiver TY Hilton is dealing with a hip issue, and his status for Sunday is currently unknown. No Hilton would be a big blow for the team. One positive is Frank Gore has looked pretty solid in the last few games. Unfortunately for him, this is not going to be an easy match-up.
The Texans are a defensive team. Their offense is led by Brock Osweiler, and he has been brutal to watch this season. He has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns after five weeks. Not exactly a good sign for a team who made a big investment in the quarterback this offseason. For this game, Osweiler should at least catch the break of not having to worry about much of a pass rush. Another positive for the team is the fact that they are home. The team is 3-0 at home, and 0-2 on the road, in a trend certainly worth monitoring as we move forward. Given the lack of Colts defensive pressure, the offense should be able to muster up enough to help the team pull together another home victory over Luck and the Colts.
For all week five NFL Spreads and Over/Under’s, check out our NFL week 5 Betting Odds master-sheet here.
Line: Texans -3, O/U: 46
Pick: Texans and the under
Result: Hou 26 – Ind 23, Push and the over