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Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans odds opened at Colts -3 and they were the most bet on team heading into the weekend. The line on this game has since moved up to -3 ½ at Hollywood Sportsbook, where more than 90 percent of those betting this game were on the Colts. Under the circumstances, the line on this game has stayed steady for the most part. Be sure to take advantage of Hollywood Sportsbook's FREE CASH BONUSES HERE and mention bonus code: Gambling911.
NFL.com points to a potential trap in this game whereby The Colts have had a tougher time staying undefeated each week even though they have somehow found a way to continue winning. Fortuitous bounces and last-minute heroics do not tend to continue happening over the long term, though, so Indianapolis could find itself in trouble against Houston, unless it plays with some more crispness.
Indianapolis (10-0) holds a three-game lead in the chase for the AFC's top seed and its 19-game winning streak is the second-longest in NFL history behind New England's 21-game run from 2006-08.
Indianapolis, which can clinch the AFC South for the sixth time in seven years with a victory this week coupled with a Jacksonville loss to San Francisco, has won its last four games by a combined 10 points.
"We certainly feel we've developed a pretty solid mental toughness," Indianapolis first-year coach Jim Caldwell said. "Hopefully, it's going to serve us down the road and make us continue to get better. Hopefully we can benefit from it."
Houston hasn't had the same luck as Indianapolis.
The Texans (5-5) entered the Nov. 8 matchup riding a three-game winning streak and in the thick of the playoff picture, but they've lost their last two by identical 20-17 scores sandwiched around a bye week.
Most pundits do believe this can be a close enough game.
Scout.com points out that Houston starting running back Steve Slaton is explosive and darting and leads the team with 359 yards on 116 carries. Still, don't be surprised to see backup Chris Brown get a lot of carries in this game. Indianapolis' defense is undersized but athletic and predicated on its ability to penetrate and create havoc in the backfield. A power back that can break through the first arm tackle can be effective.
Other things Houston needs to do to win include protecting the pocket, take advantage of size mismatches and to devote maximum numbers to coverage.
When we consider the Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans odds, past head-to-head results are against the Texans even covering. Indianapolis has won the last 10 in this series and covered 8 by the current 3 point spread. The good news for Houston is their time might be due and they did cover the current spread the last time they played Indy.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans odds trends to consider include the following:
The Indianapolis Colts are 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 games following a S.U. win.
The Colts are 6-13 ATS in their last 19 vs. AFC South.
The Texans are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Houston is 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games as a home underdog.
The Texans are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a S.U. loss.
Houston is 5-11-1 ATS in their last 17 games after accumulating less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game.
Bet this game at Hollywood Sportsbook here
Ean Lamb, Gambling911.com
