The Indianapolis Colts (4-3) and Houston Texans (5-2) will kick off the Sunday afternoon slate of NFL Week 8. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET from NRG Stadium in Houston. The game will be broadcast on CBS and can be streamed on platforms like Paramount+ and YouTube TV.
The Texans are consensus 5-point favorites over the Colts (Texans -5) with the game total set at 45. Houston is -250 on the moneyline to win outright, while Indianapolis is +200 to pull off the upset.
The Colts won 16-10 over the Dolphins last week, their second straight win and fourth in their last five games. Anthony Richardson's struggles as a passer continued, going 10-of-24 for 129 yards. Houston lost 24-22 to the Packers last week, snapping its three-game win streak. While Joe Mixon led the way with 115 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns, C.J. Stroud was just 10-of-21 for 86 passing yards.
Let's get into my Colts vs. Texans prediction and my NFL picks and predictions for Week 8.
Colts vs. Texans Picks
Spread
I'm taking the points with the Colts this week. While the Texans are 5-2, they're only 3-4 against the spread and their offense ranks as an average unit. Indianapolis is getting a key playmaker back in its backfield and has a great history of covering in Houston, as well.
Moneyline
I'm taking the points and not betting the Colts moneyline in this game.
Over/Under
I have no bet on the game total for this one.
My pick: Colts +5
Colts vs. Texans Odds, Point Spread, Total, Lines
| Colts Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+5 -112 | 45 -112 / -108 | +185 |
| Texans Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-5 -108 | 45 -112 / -108 | -225 |
- Colts vs. Texans Spread: Texans -5
- Colts vs. Texans Over/Under: 45 points scored
- Colts vs. Texans Moneyline: Texans -225, Colts +185
- Colts vs. Texans Best Bet: Colts +5
My Texans vs. Colts best bet is on Indianapolis. For all of your NFL bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NFL odds page.
- 82% of bets and 85% of the money are on the Texans to cover the spread.
- 78% of bets and 67% of the money are on the over.
- 94% of bets and 95% of the money on the moneyline are on the Texans.
Colts vs. Texans NFL Week 8 Preview
This is a great spot to back Indianapolis.
All seven of the Colts’ games this season have been decided by eight points or fewer. Getting five points in a divisional game is a great deal.
Also, there’s some history on the Colts’ side in this matchup. Since 2013, Indy is 10-1-1 against the spread (ATS) in Houston, according to Action Network’s Evan Abrams. The only loss was Matt Ryan under center for the Colts.
Also, for as inconsistent a passer as Anthony Richardson is, he’s the kind of quarterback who I’d like to back as a road ‘dog.
Richardson leads the NFL with a 12.2 average depth of target this season. That’s the highest for any quarterback through Week 7 since 2018. In addition to his rushing upside, I like that Richardson has big-play upside.
I know what you’re thinking, though, in that just because he’s throwing the ball down the field doesn’t mean good things will happen. I get it.
You know what else I like when having a quarterback like this? A running back who’s elite and can open up the passing game by posing a legitimate threat on the ground.
Jonathan Taylor was a full participant in practice this week and is poised to return after missing three games. Taylor is averaging 4.85 yards per carry this season with four touchdowns in four games, and his presence cannot be understated.
Having Taylor in the backfield will help eat the clock and keep the Texans honest in how they defend Richardson. I’m expecting at least one big play in the passing game.
Finally, this is a fade of the Texans. Houston has not looked good en route to a 5-2 record this season, ranking 18th in offensive DVOA. The Texans defense ranks second, but that’s primarily due to a strong pass rush. They were burnt by big plays from Jordan Love last week in the Packers' passing game and while I’m not saying Richardson is going to have similar results, it’s encouraging heading into this matchup.
As long as I can get 4.5 or more points, I'll be on the Colts this week.
Pick: Colts +5
How to Watch: Time, Channel, Streaming
| Location: | NRG Stadium |
| Date: | Sunday, Oct. 27 |
| Kickoff Time: | 1 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | CBS / Paramount+ and YouTube TV |
Texans vs. Colts is scheduled for a 1 p.m. ET start time, live from NRG Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 27. The game is broadcasted live by CBS and is streaming on Paramount+ and YouTube TV.
NFL Weather
