(Getty)
The Texans head to Indianapolis as underdogs this Sunday, with the winner moving to first place in the AFC South. Houston won the first meeting in Week Six, but the Colts are favored by as many as seven points according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com.
The Colts were in control for most of their first meeting, but late heroics from Brock Osweiler gave the Texans a last-minute win. That was the high point of the season for Osweiler, who has struggled in his first season in Houston. Osweiler has thrown an interception in nine of 12 games this season, but Texans coach Bill O’Brien has shaken off questions about benching the high-priced signing.
It may have been against the lowly Jets, but the Colts are coming off one of the more impressive performances by any team this season. They demolished the Jets in a road primetime game, running up a 41-10 score for their third win in four games. The only loss during that stretch was without Andrew Luck, who returned from a concussion with a strong outing Monday night.
Luck’s performance will be the biggest determinant on Sunday. The Texans have more than a few injuries on defense, including veterans Brian Cushing and Johnathan Joseph. Without Clowney and Watt up front, the Texans don’t have the playmakers on either side of the ball to keep pace in the playoff race.
Heavy’s Pick: Texans 16 Colts 31. Colts -7. Under on the Point Total. (47.5)