Colts vs. Texans Free Pick
It’s hard to call Week 1 crucial in the NFL, but for the Houston Texans it will be. Let’s take a look at their matchup this Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.
Oddsmakers from online sports book SBGGLOBAL.com have made the Texans 1-point home underdogs against the Colts, while the over/under total has been set at 47.5 points.
Colts Win If:
They can keep the Texans’ offense inside the park. Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson and if healthy, Owen Daniels is a tough trio to stop and Houston also has two capable running backs in Arian Foster and Steve Slaton. If the Colts have a weakness, it’s up front on defense. Defensive tackles Daniel Muir and Antonio Johnson would be excellent backups in a rotation, but on the Colts they’re starting defensive tackles. If those two can’t step up and slow down Foster/Slaton in the running game, then they’re going to leave their back seven exposed to Schaub and the passing game. Offensively, the Colts just need to do what they do best: put the game in Peyton Manning’s hands and let him go to work.
Texans Win If:
Their cornerbacks can play exceptionally well. Teams have a hard enough time slowing Peyton down with two good cornerbacks. The Texans will have to do it with two inexperienced players in Glover Quin and rookie Kareem Jackson. While both of them have a ton of talent, they’re going to have a tough time slowing down Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Pierre Garcon and the rest of Indy’s receiving options. Plus, Houston is loaded with playmakers up front on defense but their tackles can be inconsistent against the run. If Manning can mix things up by getting Joseph Addai the ball early in drives, the receivers should be open down the seems. Houston’s defense has to limit the big plays and all Schaub and the passing game to get ahead on the scoreboard.
Prediction:
People are high on the Texans this year and they should be. But their secondary is a huge concern and the last thing a team wants when facing the Colts is questions in the defensive backfield. I don’t think this is the game the Texans overcome their fears of playing the Colts – even though they get Indy at home. Manning is going to feast on the rookie Jackson and the Colts win this one easier than people think. I would also lean towards the over with how many playmakers both of these offenses have.
2010 NFL Week 1 Free Pick: INDIANAPOLIS COLTS –1 & OVER 47.5