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- Houston (9-7) is a 1.5-point road favorite over the Colts (9-7) in the week 18 regular season finale
- C.J. Stroud is the favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year after passing for 3,844 yards and 21 TDs this year
- Saturday’s primetime showdown kicks off from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN at 8:15pm ET
Two of the NFL’s most-improved teams will square off on Saturday night with a playoff spot on the line. The winner of the game would also secure an AFC South title if the Jaguars lose to the Titans on Sunday.
Before we check the odds on this crucial matchup and make our picks, here’s where you can find the best Super Bowl betting tips and the top betting sites for NFL football in 2023.
Colts vs Texans
 | Spread | Money Line | Total Points |
| Houston Texans | -1.5 (-110) | -125 | Ov 47.5 (-110) |
| Indianapolis Colts | +1.5 (-110) | +105 | Un 47.5 (-110) |
Stroud strong in return
Following a 3-13-1 season, Houston selected C.J. Stroud No. 2 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. The rookie signal caller immediately changed everything for the Texans franchise, passing for 3,844 yards, 21 touchdowns and five interceptions in 14 games this year. After a concussion cost him two starts, Stroud returned to action in a 26-3 win over the Titans, completing 24 of 32 passes for 213 yards and a TD.
While Stroud is currently the favorite to capture Offensive Rookie of the Year, his teammate Will Anderson put himself in contention to win Defensive Rookie of the Year with a two-sack performance last Sunday. The Bama product has logged seven sacks in 14 games in 2023.
Houston Texans ROOKIE CJ Stroud only needs 156 yards to hit 4,000 passing yards on the season. pic.twitter.com/PHN31ROBHG
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) January 3, 2024
Minshew mania
Indianapolis lost No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson to a season-ending shoulder surgery back in week 4. In his absence, Gardner Minshew has been mostly terrific, passing for 3,164 yards with 15 TDs and 9 INTs. Jonathan Taylor also missed significant time with injuries this year. Back healthy, he rushed for 96 yards and a TD in last Sunday’s 23-20 win over the Raiders.
At 9-7, the Colts could win their first AFC South title since 2014 with a victory on Saturday combined with a Jacksonville loss in week 18.
Indianapolis vs Houston
Houston is a 1.5-point road favorite in Lucas Oil Field on Saturday. Oddsmakers are expecting a shootout with the over/under set at 47.5 points. Indianapolis came away with a 31-20 victory back in week 2, but much has changed for both clubs since then.
The Texans are allowing the third-fewest rushing yards per game (88.5) in the NFL. However, Jonathan Taylor has a 5-0 record against his AFC South rivals, averaging 149.6 yards in his last three games against them.
Jonathan Taylor coming up BIG when you need him most 🔥 pic.twitter.com/z7DLJEsOMs
— PlayerProfiler (@rotounderworld) December 31, 2023
Coach of the Year showdown?
While the Browns’ Kevin Stefanski is now a heavy favorite to win Coach of the Year, both DeMeco Ryans and Shane Steichen are still very much in contention for the award. A playoff-sealing win in primetime will provide a serious boost to one of these first-year HCs on Saturday night.
Best Bet
C.J. Stroud can put the finishing touches on his fairy tale rookie season in week 18. Facing a Colts defense that just allowed rookie Aidan O’Connell to throw for 299 yards and two scores, Stroud should feast.
We’ll take the Texans to cover (-1.5) with the UNDER 47.5 points.
See below the top sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the best one for you:
