Colts vs Texans Odds & Picks Week 8: Colts To Keep It Close (Again)

The Houston Texans host the Indianapolis Colts in a division rivalry game as 5-point favorites in NFL action Week 8.

The Colts have quietly won four of their last five games and could force a tie in the NFC South with an upset win. The Texans are 3-0 at home this season, but are coming off a tough loss on the road to the Packers. Houston wants this game bad to create a two game lead in the division and grab hold of the head-to-head tiebreaker since they beat the Colts in Week 1.

According to BetMGM, the ticket count is split pretty evenly (52% on Colts), but 72% of the money is on Indianapolis. 

Keep reading to see how I’m approaching this game from a betting perspective.

Colts vs Texans Odds Week 8

Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans, Oct. 27, 1 pm ET

As of October 25th at BetMGM

Colts vs Texans Picks Week 8

Colts +5 (-110)

I bet this earlier in the week and colt Colts +5.5, but still like it in this spot at +5. Don't forget, these two teams played a tight game Week 1 when the Texans won 29-27 and both of these teams were close to full healthy. The Colts are the much healthier team in this game and 5 points is too many to be giving vs. a Colts team that hasn't had a game decided by more than six points all season.

Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is expected back in this one and he's been a Texans killer historically. Taylor has amassed 685 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in his his last five games vs. Houston.

This Texans' defense hasn't been anything special as Houston has allowed 23.8 points per game over the last five contests. Now with two injured linebackers (see below) and an injured safety, I don't see them having a big day vs. the Colts. Houston's redzone defense ranks 30th in the NFL and Anthony Richardson can create problems close to the goal line. 

The Colts defense, meanwhile should be much improved vs. the run and pass with Buckner back in the middle of the defensive line. I'm expecting this game to be another nail biter so they +5 feels generous.  

Colts vs Texans Prop Picks

Dalton Schultz anytime TD (+340)
Dalton Schultz 2+ TD (+3200)
Dalton Schultz O31.5 rec. yards (-110)

Can you tell I like Dalton Schultz's matchup this week?

The Colts defense isn't good against opposing tight ends and they rank 27th in the league against the position according to FTNfantasy.com. Several tight ends have scored touchdowns this season vs. Indianapolis including Jonnu Smith, Brenton Strange, and Pat Freiermuth.

With Nico Collins out, Dalton Schultz should have increased opportunities and I think he'll make the the most of them.

Schultz had six touchdowns last season (including postseason) and has yet to find the endzone this year so this may be his 2024 coming out party. 

Colts vs Texans News

The fact that DeForest Buckner and Jonathan Taylor both had a full practice for the Colts on Thursday is big news. These are two of Indianapolis' best players and they've missed the last several weeks.

Texans defenders Jimmie Ward and Azeez Al-Shaair both missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday and are looking unlikely to suit up on Sunday.

Colts vs Texans Betting Trends