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Expert prediction

NFL Week 18: Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans Preview, Odds, Picks (Jan 4)

  • Nikola Velickovic
  • Dec 31, 2025 at 5:41 AM EST

Pick rationale

Analysis & key factors

  • Colts vs. Texans odds heavily favor Houston at -675.
  • The spread is 10.5 points.
  • Texans have 8 wins in a row.

The fact that the Texans can even win the AFC South (though that will require a sensation and the Titans beating the Jags) is enough for anyone to understand how important this event is for the home unit.

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How to Watch

  • When: Sunday, January 4, 1 pm ET
  • Where: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
  • How to Watch: CBS

Colts vs. Texans Odds

TeamMoneylineSpreadTotals
Colts+490+10.538.5
Texans-675-10.538.5

Game Preview

The Colts are ending this season hurt and disappointed. After an excellent start, everything fell apart for the team that has been at the top of the conference for so long.

Indianapolis has lost the last 6 meetings, some closely, some not, but overall, this year has been a huge disappointment for this unit. When talking about NFL betting, here are some facts: 4 of their previous 6 games went UNDER, and the Colts are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games.

As for the Texans, they battle to reach the top of the division, though the Jags await the Titans in the last round, and they won’t miss a chance to clinch the home-field or even take the No.1 seed in the AFC.

Houston has the best defense in the NFL, allowing 16.6 points per game. We saw how they beat the Chargers last weekend, 20-16, not allowing Justin Herbert to breathe. If there were a bit more reliable QB than Stroud, this team would be wild.

Colts vs. Texans Head to Head

In 48 matches, the Colts won 33 times, the Texans 14, and one game was a tie. This year, they would win in Indianapolis 20-16 in late November.

Colts vs. Texans Predictions

Indianapolis Colts are on their way down, and the Texans have to win here; therefore, we pick the hosts to win and cover a 12.5-point spread.

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