NFL 2024/25: Colts – Texans
The game between the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans is worth watching for the sole reason that two young quarterbacks who could shape the future of the NFL together will go head-to-head
Expectations were low heading into the 2024 season, but the Texans still managed to shock many by winning the AFC South with a 10-7 record.
It made them the surprise team of the league for me, and the big question, of course, is: can they repeat? C. J. Stroud was the key to that success.
He finished the season with over 4,100 yards, 23 touchdowns and only five interceptions – impressive numbers for someone just entering the NFL.
But Stroud wasn’t just dangerous in the air. He also showed off his mobility, adding 167 yards and three touchdowns via the run. You can bet a sportsbook bonus he’ll be even hungrier this year.
What the Texans also accomplished at the negotiating table this offseason could take them to a new level. Signing running back Joe Mixon adds a whole new dimension to their running game.
Add in Stefon Diggs, who was acquired from the Buffalo Bills in a cleverly engineered trade, and you have a truly powerful arsenal at C.J. Stroud’s disposal.
For you NFL fans with a penchant for sports betting, that means this Texans offense could soon mutate into one of the most explosive in the league.
And what about the Colts? The good news is that they can start the 2024 season relatively healthy, which wasn’t the case last year.
They dealt with a long list of injuries for much of 2023 and still somehow managed to pick up nine wins – respect for that!
Anthony Richardson, the young QB, has flashed his immeasurable talent several times in the short time he has played.
Unfortunately, various injuries have thwarted his plans, but now that he is healthy and has already completed his rookie season, he could really take off.
With Michael Pittman Jr. having just agreed to a contract extension, the Colts have a real weapon at the wide receiver position.
Pittman has the potential to be a big factor in this offense, and you can be sure fan expectations are high for him as well.
Then there’s Jonathan Taylor, who is back and looks poised for a successful season.
Once the running back gets rolling, he’s known to take the Colts’ game to a whole new level.
C. J. Stroud was the clear engine of the Texans offense in 2023 – and I’m hoping for an impressive performance from the quarterback in the opening game of the new season.
In any case, I won’t hesitate to place a player bet on the quarterback, especially since my gut feeling has already served me well in the most recent Chiefs Ravens tip for this year’s opening game!
The bet recommended in that prediction for a Derrick Henry touchdown paid off after just a few minutes of play!
With regard to the Texans Colts odds of most sports betting providers, it is worth taking a closer look at the “Player Betting” section.
The current cross-provider odds of around 1.53 for “Stroud to throw at least 2 touchdowns” are quite attractive, even if they don’t promise a huge payout in and of themselves
Watch out: Stroud had a strong performance in the Texans’ last meeting with the Colts with two touchdown passes, many correct decisions and an additional 20 rushing yards.
Meanwhile, those looking for additional options to spice up their win total could bet on the exact number of rushing yards.
For my part, however, I’ll settle for a single-player bet on the Texans quarterback on Sunday.
Conclusion: The home side will definitely have problems in this game.
I would have liked to see the Colts strengthen their secondary this summer, but they didn’t and that will be their downfall here.
C. J. Stroud is going to have a huge game on Sunday, and the Dolts won’t have an answer for much of the game.
Anthony Richardson could also have a strong game for the Colts, but that alone won’t be enough.
In a high-scoring game, I’m ultimately convinced that Stroud will throw for at least two touchdowns.
My guess: C. J. Stroud throws two or more touchdowns
