Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans NFL Betting Odds

Written October 3, 2008 by Brad Marchetti

The 2008 Indianapolis Colts have been a huge disappointment on both sides of the ball this season starting 1-2 out of the chute. This week in the Indianapolis Colts vs Houston Texans game, the Colts will face a perennial AFC South disappointment in the Houston Texans (0-3). The Colts will have had an extra week to prepare coming off a bye week but this is not the same Colts team that NFL bettors are used to wagering on. The NFL betting odds for the Indianapolis Colts vs Houston Texans game is Indianapolis -3.5 points.

Last week Houston QB Matt Schaub may have saved his starting job for another week with a fine performance against Jacksonville. If Schaub falters this week, however, expect to see backup QB Sage Rosenfels to be taking snaps for possibly the rest of the season. Schaub has been a victim off poor offensive line play, but he is a limited athlete that has made poor mental decisions (5 INT’s 8 Sacks). This week, Houston’s offense could get some help from a 23rd ranked Indy defense allowing 200+ yards rushing per game! The Colts have felt the effect of losing defensive leader SS Bob Sanders who is a difference maker. The loss of Sanders is no excuse for the Colts poor tackling on defense. Houston is expected to start rookie 5′10″ 190 Lb. RB Steve Slaton (4.40 40-speed) in place of injured starter Ahman Green (ankle). Slaton has refuted the scouting reports that said he was only a 3rd down back by averaging 4.7 yards per carry on 41 attempts. The NFL betting odds OVERUNDER for the Indianapolis Colts vs Houston Texans game is 47 points. The OVER is 6-0 in their last six meetings.

Indianapolis Colts offensive stalwarts QB Peyton Manning and WR Marvin Harrison are feeling the effects of their knee surgeries. Manning’s limited mobility has been exposed behind a banged up O-line while Harrison has lost some explosiveness after surgery on both knees. Given an extra week to prepare for a Houston defense ranked 30th in points allowed should help Manning and crew get going. The Texans have tackled poorly this season and their defense took a hit last week losing strong safety C.C Brown for the season. With the secondary ailing they will need a big game from superstar 6′7″ 290 Lb. DE Mario Williams (4.75 40-speed). Williams cannot do all on his own, however, and will need some help from his supporting cast. Manning has not looked comfortable in the pocket this season and it will be crucial for the Texans to bring pressure early and often. Manning will need RB Joseph Addai (4.40 40-speed) to set the tone against a Texans defense that has been labelled “soft”. Addai, has struggled behind the below-average Colts O-line by averaging only 3.3 yards per carry but he has scored 3 TD’s. One player that could have a monster game if Manning gets comfortable is WR Reggie Wayne (18 rec. 253 yds. 2 TD’s). The NFL betting odds MONEYLINE for the Indianapolis Colts vs Houston Texans game is Indianapolis -165.

Houston should be fired up playing in their home opener. Indy will be playing with a chip on their shoulder to prove that they are not old and washed up. Both of these teams have played soft and the team that shows more desire should win this game. If you want to know which team our handicappers think that is, you’ll have to sign up for our NFL expert picks. They break down the NFL betting odds on the games that they think a mistake in the point spread has been made.

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