Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 1 game

A pair of sophomore signal-callers will look to get their season started on the right foot when the Houston Texans (0-0) visit the Indianapolis Colts (0-0).

The hype in Houston is reaching astronomical levels after it went from No. 2 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to winning the AFC South. C.J. Stroud proved he is one of the fastest-rising quarterbacks in the league, and with Stefon Diggs joining the squad, there are expectations of another playoff run.

Indianapolis was one game away from winning the division, falling to the Texans in Week 18 and missing the playoffs. Still, there’s some buzz going on with the Colts with Anthony Richardson back from injury and out to prove he’s one of the next great young quarterbacks against a divisional foe.

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Colts vs. Texans odds, moneyline, over/under

The Texans are favorites to defeat the Colts, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2024 including the ESPN BET app and Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.

• Spread: Texans (-3)
• Moneyline: Texans (-160); Colts (+130)
• Over/under: 49

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NFL Week 1 odds, predictions and picks

Ravens vs. Chiefs | Packers vs. Eagles | Jaguars vs. Dolphins | Steelers vs. Falcons | Vikings vs. Giants | Panthers vs. Saints | Patriots vs. Bengals | Titans vs. Bears | Cardinals vs. Bills | Texans vs. Colts | Raiders vs. Chargers | Broncos vs. Seahawks | Commanders vs. Buccaneers | Cowboys vs. Browns | Rams vs. Lions | Jets vs. 49ers

Lorenzo Reyes: Texans 21, Colts 20

This should be a tough, highly-contested game. Frankly, it’s going to come down to where Anthony Richardson is after spending most of his rookie season sidelined. Houston should take the next step under C.J. Stroud and coach Demo Ryans, but the Colts are a sneaky good team. Playing at home, against a division rival, I think this is a potential upset spot, so I like the Texans on the moneyline with Indy covering as a hedge.

Tyler Dragon: Texans 27, Colts 21

This matchup features two of the most exciting young QBs in the game. C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson will both make impressive plays in this AFC South dual, but Stroud has the better all-around team. Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon are going to make Houston’s offense more potent.

Safid Deen: Texans 27, Colts 23

Houston put the NFL on notice with its playoff run last season, setting the stage for C.J. Stroud’s second season. The Texans are loaded on offense, and appear primed for a Super Bowl run. And a close win over their division rivals will be a nice start of the season for the Texans.

Richard Morin: Texans 31, Colts 28

I think this one could be a bit of a shootout. It’s one of the few games on the calendar I think is a good candidate for the over.

Jordan Mendoza: Texans 24, Colts 22

Houston has all the momentum in the world to propel it toward another division title. The offense will be exciting to watch, but the Colts also have a plethora of talent going under the radar. Expect this game to come down to the very end, with the Texans sneaking out of Indianapolis with a victory.

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