Winless Texans Face ‘Desperate’ Colts in Huge Early-Season Contest
The Houston Texans (0-3 SU, 1-2-0 ATS, 3-0-0 O/U), lost to Jacksonville 30-27 in overtime on Sunday but covered the spread as a 7-point underdog in a Week 4 matchup that went Over the posted O/U total of 42.5 total points.
The Indianapolis Colts (1-2 SU, 1-2-0 ATS, 1-2-0 O/U) lost a heart-breaker to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 3, falling 23-21 to their AFC South rivals, the Jacksonville Jaguars, failing to cover the spread as four-point favorites.
Now, the two ‘desperate teams meet in this contest on Sunday at Reliant Stadium with a lot riding on the line – like prospective playoff appearances.
The Jaguars harassed Colts quarterback into a mediocre 15-for-29 day with two interceptions while using their powerful rushing attack to overwhelm the Colts’ beleaguered run defense.
Running backs Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew rushed for 121 yards and 107 yards and one touchdown respectively. Quarterback David Garrard went 16-for-22 for 167 yards and one interception.
The Colts know they need to get their problems fixed right away as they are ion a hole they are not accustomed to being in, having started each of the last three season with perfect 7-0 records.
“We’re not desperate, (sure you’re not?) in this locker room,” cornerback Marlin Jackson said. “We’ve just got to get back to doing what we do, and that’s playing consistent football.”
The Colts can say whatever they want, but the fact of the matter is that the team is allowing a whopping 199.7 rushing yards per game, (31st).
The loss of safety Bob Sanders, the 2007 Defensive Player of the Year award winner, has hurt the team immensely. Quarterback Peyton Manning is still trying to get in ‘football shape after undergoing surgery to remove an infected bursa sac from his left knee.
“You have to keep your poise, keep your focus and focus on the things that count,” Colts coach Tony Dungy said. “Whether you win or lose, you have to keep things in perspective and that’s hard when you’re used to winning a lot. But you have to zero in on just doing your job.”
“It’s been a hard month life-wise and football-wise for a lot of people,” said Texans coach Gary Kubiak, whose team has dropped four of six home openers in team history. “We get to settle down here, we’re not going anywhere for the next month.”
Here is a look at some key trends, followed by my analysis and NFL Free Picks:
The Colts are 10-0 in their last 10 October contests
The Texans are 4-6 in their last ten October game
The Colts are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games in October.
The Colts are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in Week 5.
The Texans are 4-0 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.
The Texans are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games.
The Under is 5-1 in Colts last 6 games following a S.U. loss.
The Over is 4-0 in Texans last 4 games on grass.
The Over is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings.
The Home team is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 meetings.
The Colts are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 meetings in Houston.
NFL Odds
Indianapolis Colts -3 -115
Houston Texans +3 -105
Over 47 -110
Under 47 -110
Analysis: Well, I can clearly see the Houston Texans have taken a huge step backwards from their encouraging 8-8 record last season and are headed no where fast! Despite being on the road, I like the Indianapolis Colts to win this game, cover the spread and help to send the set O/U total Over 47 points.
