The final game in the AFC South happens on Saturday, and we’ve got some serious stakes. The Indianapolis Colts host the Houston Texans with a trip to the playoffs on the line.
You heard correctly, the winner of this game clinches a playoff berth. Plus they have a chance to win the division if the Titans could somehow knock off the Jaguars on Sunday.
Nevertheless, we are in for quite the showdown between C.J. Stroud and Gardner Minshew.
Texans vs Colts Game Information
Matchup Information
- Venue & Location: Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN)
- Date: Saturday, January 6th, 2024
- Kick Off: 8:15pm Eastern
- Broadcast: ESPN/ABC
Betting Odds
Odds courtesy of Bovada. Get a Deposit Bonus and Bet These Lines Here!
Spread
- Texans -1 (-120)
- Colts +1 (+100)
Moneyline
- Texans -125
- Colts +105
Total
- Over 47.5 (-110)
- Under 47.5(-110)
How Will Stroud Perform on the Road in Indy?
This is going to be a playoff-like atmosphere in Indianapolis on Saturday. The Colts have won 6 of their last 8 to be in this position, and with a 4-4 home record, one would think the door might be open for Stroud.
The Texans are just 3-4 on the road but have won 6 of their last 9 to have a chance at the postseason, and possibly the division.
The loser gets left out and their season is over, so this one is for all the marbles.
Now, these teams played in Houston all the way back in Week 2. Anthony Richardson started for Indy before leaving the game early in the 2nd quarter with a concussion. He had two quick rushing TDs before his departure, leaving the game up 14-7.
Minshew played the last few quarters leading the Colts to a 31-20 victory. He was 19/23 for 171 yards and a TD in two and a half quarters.
Stroud put up 384 yards on 30/47 passing with 2 TDs of his own, but it wasn’t enough to get the victory.
Can he get it done on the road?
Free NFL Picks – Texans vs Colts
This is a tough game to get a feel for, but I have had strong feelings about this Colts team for several weeks now.
Aside from a few hiccups, they have looked nearly perfect for 8 straight weeks, and at home, I trust Minshew and his experience to get the job done.
Although Stroud has Nico Collins, he’s clearly missed having Tank Dell out there as well. Indianapolis has won 3 straight games at Lucas Oil Stadium, and I think they clinch a playoff berth there on Saturday.
The Colts did not have Jonathan Taylor last time against the Texans, and I think his presence will make a difference as well.
Give me the Colts to win this game at home and punch their ticket to the postseason!
The Pick: Colts ML (+105) Get the Current Best Odds on the Market and a Deposit Bonus at Bovada!
Free NFL Player Props – Texans vs Colts
CJ Stroud over 0.5 Interceptions (+135) Bovada
I’m betting on the rookie QB to make one mistake in the biggest game of his young career. Playoffs on the line, one drive to win the game and Boom! Picked off by the Colts to seal the victory!
I can already see it happening. For plus money, I’ll take a stab.
Stroud has only thrown 5 picks all year, and only 1 on the road. He threw nearly 50 times without an interception the last time against Indy, so what makes me think he throws one this weekend?
For starters, the Colts have 15 picks on the season ranking in the Top 10 of the NFL. They have an interception in 10/17 games this season, and 5/8 home games.
I doubt the Texans are able to run the ball, so I expect Stroud to really air it out. He will have to be aggressive and I think in crunch time he may let one slip.
Again, I will take this for plus money in this situation any day of the week.
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