Our Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts prediction takes a look at the Week 18 matchup that features a matchup with plenty of 2023 NFL Draft implications. Let’s dive into the current NFL betting odds, key storylines to watch, and make a prediction for the game. Note that all odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook as of Monday, Jan. 2.
Texans vs. Colts Odds
- Spread
Colts -3 - Moneyline
Colts -165 - Over/Under
38.5 points
Texans vs. Colts Prediction
The Texans have suffered some embarrassing losses this year, but last week’s performance against Jacksonville may have been their worst of the year. The Jaguars began the game with their starters but eventually pulled them as they had a commanding lead. Yet, the Texans still struggled against the backups.
Houston ultimately lost 31-3 and now boasts a 2-13-1 record on the season, putting them at the top of the 2023 NFL Draft. There are obviously no playoff implications for this AFC South matchup in Week 18. The Texans hold the No. 1 overall pick, and the Colts are not far behind them. But this game carries massive ramifications for draft order.
Both teams desperately need a long-term answer at quarterback. Davis Mills isn’t cutting it for the Texans, and they could potentially be able to choose whichever QB they want in this draft if they lose this game.
If they end up winning this matchup against Indianapolis — and Chicago loses — Houston moves down to No. 2 in the draft, and Chicago would be free to sell that draft pick off to whoever wants to come up for a star QB prospect. For the Texans, it’s imperative that they lose this game for their future, but they’ll have competition in that department.
MORE: NFL Week 18 Early Odds
As of right now, the Colts hold the No. 5 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft after their embarrassing loss in Week 17 to the New York Giants. The Colts have been in QB purgatory for years now — arguably since Andrew Luck retired — and they have a chance to rectify that in just a few short months.
Indianapolis is going to do everything in their power to move up in the 2023 NFL Draft to position themselves to take one of the star incoming QB prospects. Matt Ryan, Nick Foles, and Sam Ehlinger are not the answer at the most important position in all of sports, and the Colts know this now.
A win in Week 18 against the woeful Texans roster would put Indianapolis at risk of falling outside of the top five in the NFL draft. They’ll be doing everything they can to make sure that doesn’t happen, which means that we could see a very low-scoring affair this week.
Will the coaches in this game be focused on securing a victory and not focusing on the long-term ramifications? Or will ownership override and give a directive to lose this matchup for draft positioning?
Texans vs. Colts Score Prediction
Texans 17, Colts 14
