Indianapolis Colts-Houston Texans Odds and Picks Against the Spread

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT HOUSTON TEXANS (-7, O/U 46), Sun., 1 p.m. ET

The city’s good vibes from the Astros’ World Series title took a mega-hit Thursday when QB Deshaun Watson, the odds-on favorite for Rookie of the Year, had his season shortened with an apparent ACL tear in practice.

The Texans went from by far the league’s biggest favorites this week against Indianapolis, which is equally awful on offense and defense, to a one-TD pick.

The euphoria over Watson’s superb play already had been dampened by ill will from the players toward team owner Bob McNair. While this week’s trade of OT Duane Brown might make sense strategically, it did not go over well in the locker room. The respected veteran was outspoken in his criticism of McNair.

LINE MOVEMENT, TRENDS

The public was swooning over Houston. Or turned off by Indianapolis. Or both. The original line of 11 crept up to 13 until plummeting with the injury to Watson.

While the Colts are on a 1-4 ATS slide in away games, they have a history of bouncing back from an ATS defeat. Their record the following week: 31-11. Additionally, their last ATS setback in Houston was five visits ago.

Those factors all might take a backseat to the Texans’ 5-1 ATS streak overall.

BREAKDOWN

Watson was tearing it up, and he must be have been licking his chops during film study of the opponent this week.

Indy ranks 25th in points scored, which looks good alongside its dead-last placement in points allowed. The Colts secondary must account for WR Will Fuller, who has converted 13 catches into seven touchdowns and must get re-acquainted with backup QB Tom Savage.

At least Indy QB Jacoby Brissett is coming off his first game with more than one passing TD.

He, too, might be enjoying video preparations. Seattle’s Russell Wilson, in his 99th career game, hit statistical highs against Houston last Sunday.

Injuries, on top of Watson’s, hover over the game. Colts OT Anthony Castanzo (knee), absent in only seven career games through seven seasons, is iffy, while two other linemen are done for the season and another is on bereavement leave.

The Colts’ front will line up against a battered D-line. Christian Covington (biceps) is the latest Texan to go down.

PICK

See all SportsLine expert picks on Colts-Texans