Six days after a heartbreaking overtime loss in Baltimore, the Colts will look to take out their frustrations on the Texans this Sunday in Indianapolis. Like the Colts, the Texans are also hoping to get back on track after winning just one of their first five games.
Both teams have been ravaged with injuries. Colts quarterback Carson Wentz has been playing despite injuries to both of his ankles. Cornerbacks Xavier Rhodes and Andrew Sendejo are currently in the concussion protocol. Kicker Rodrigo Blankenship is dealing with a hip injury, and receiver T.Y. Hilton is still working his way back from neck surgery. The Texans will play without Tyrod Taylor for at least another week, which means that Davis Mills will make his fourth career start this Sunday.
We’ll break down Sunday’s game as well as offer a prediction. But first, here’s how you can follow the action in real time.
All NFL odds are via Caesars Sportsbook.
How to watch
Date: Sunday, Oct. 17 | Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis)
TV: CBS | Stream: Paramount+ (click here)
Follow: CBS Sports App
Odds: Colts -10, 43
Preview
The Colts have played mostly winning football over the past two weeks. They went to Miami and defeated the Dolphins by double-digits in Week 4. They led the Ravens by 19 points on Monday night before falling in overtime. Wentz played well in both games; he completed 75 percent of his passes in Miami and threw for 402 yards and two touchdowns in Baltimore. Running back Jonathan Taylor is also coming off two impressive outings. He ran for 103 yards and a score against the Dolphins before scoring two touchdowns and amassing 169 total yards and two touchdowns against the Ravens.
After winning their season-opener, the Texans have lost their last four games. They scored just nine total points in losses to Carolina and Buffalo before losing by just three points at home against the Patriots in Week 5. While he didn’t have much run support, Mills put up his best game thus far, as he threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns on 21 of 29 passing. His favorite targets were Chris Moore and Chris Conley, who caught a combined eight passes for 193 yards and two touchdowns.
Both teams have struggled defensively. The Colts’ defense is currently 23rd in the NFL in scoring and red zone efficiency. The Texans’ defense is 10th in red zone efficiency but are just 27th in scoring and 26th against the run.
Prediction
Latest Odds: Indianapolis Colts -10
The Texans have shown marked improvement in recent weeks and are certainly capable of pulling off an upset. But their lack of a running game, coupled with their struggles to stop the run on defense, makes them a decided underdog in this game. If the Colts take care of the football and take advantage of the Texans’ weaknesses on defense, they should be able to get their second win of the 2021 season.
Pick: Colts 27, Texans 20
