Sunday, December 6, 2020, NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas, 1 p.m. ET
Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans Betting Preview: Colts (-3.5/-110), Texans (+3.5/-110)
Indianapolis Colts
Philip Rivers and T.Y. Hilton have tormented the Texans throughout their careers, with the former throwing for 16 touchdowns and posting a 121.4 quarterback rating in five meetings while with the Chargers. The latter has done his damage with the Colts, namely reeling in 85 career catches for 1,537 yards and 10 touchdowns in 16 games.
Rivers has thrown multiple scoring strikes in four of his last six games for Indianapolis, including his first touchdown pass of the season to Hilton in a 45-26 setback against Tennessee last Sunday. Unfortunately for the Colts (7-4), they found themselves on their heels after surrendering 35 points in the first half — more than their sum total in any game this season.
Indianapolis will see the return of rookie Jonathan Taylor (team-leading 518 rushing yards), who was activated off the reserve/COVID-19 list on Wednesday after missing last week’s game because he was considered high risk. While the return of Taylor is a plus, the Colts may be more concerned with the availability of Anthony Castonzo after the starting left tackle exited last week’s game with an MCL sprain.
Houston Texans
The Texans (4-7) were dealt two significant losses earlier this week after being informed by the NFL that star wide receiver Will Fuller V and top cornerback Bradley Roby were suspended six games for performance-enhancing substance violations. Fuller led the team in catches (43), receiving yards (879) and touchdowns (eight), while Roby shared the club lead in passes defensed (seven) and interceptions (one).
Deshaun Watson, who has 15 touchdowns and no interceptions in his last six games, likely will lean on wide receivers Brandin Cooks and Keke Coutee in the passing game. Cooks had five receptions last week and 42 over his last seven contests, while Coutee has 14 catches for 134 yards in two career meetings with the Colts.
Watson threw for 318 yards and four touchdowns in Houston’s 41-25 win at Detroit on Thanksgiving. Watson has fared well in four career meetings with Indianapolis, averaging 312 yards passing while completing 68.1 percent of his throws.
Colts at Texans Betting Pick for Week 13
Indianapolis has been downright generous in the first half each of its last three games, surrendering an average of 26.7 points in that span. Although we’re in the season of giving, the Colts would be best served to play the role of The Grinch if they wish to remain in contention for the AFC South title.
The inspired Colts have every reason to compete on Sunday, while Houston may have had the wind taken out of its sails with the news on Fuller and Roby. This could get ugly quick.
Colts at Texans Betting Pick:
Colts 31, Texans 14
Colts at Texans Best Bet for Week 13
Indianapolis’ running game likely will have its way against Houston’s rush defense, which is averaging an NFL second-worst 154.7 yards per game. Look for Taylor, Nyheim Hines and company to be the focus of the offense, all the while taking significant time off the clock.
Colts at Texans Best Bet: UNDER 51 total points (-110)
