Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 18 game – USA TODAY

Which AFC South contender will clinch their spot in the postseason?
A playoff berth will be on the line when the Indianapolis Colts (9-7) host the Houston Texans (9-7) in a big-time Saturday night matchup.
The return of C.J. Stroud couldn’t have come at a better time for Houston. The Texans got their quarterback back and the defense shut down the Tennessee Titans in convincing fashion to remain in the playoff picture.
On the other side, Indianapolis was able to crush the Las Vegas Raiders’ chances of making the playoffs by improving theirs in a win against the AFC foe, setting up an epic showdown inside Lucas Oil Stadium.
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The Texans are favorites to defeat the Colts, according to BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023, including the new ESPN BET app and the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.
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Cardinals vs. Seahawks | Ravens vs. Steelers | Panthers vs. Buccaneers | Bengals vs. Browns | Lions vs. Vikings | Packers vs. Bears | Colts vs. Texans | Chargers vs. Chiefs | Raiders vs. Broncos | Dolphins vs. Bills | Patriots vs. Jets | Saints vs. Falcons | Giants vs. Eagles | 49ers vs. Rams | Titans vs. Jaguars | Commanders vs. Cowboys
This line started with the Colts as slight favorites, but it is moving and I would look to grab Houston ASAP in the case that it does keep sliding. The Texans have the better quarterback, the better defense and Indianapolis is just 1-3 against the spread over its last four games.
This huge game will determine if the Texans or Colts are playoff-bound, or maybe even division champs. C.J. Stroud and the Texans have been the darlings of the NFL this year. Saturday night’s contest is Stroud’s rookie of the year moment. The Texans are on the road, but the young upstart team appears poised for a playoff berth.
While Indianapolis has played well without Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor in spurts, the Colts’ season will be coming to an end on Saturday. C.J. Stroud returned in the nick of time to help the Texans reach the postseason. He’s led Houston to a playoff shot as a rookie, and the Texans will prevail on the road in Indianapolis.
The Texans have Stroud back and overall just played hungrier throughout the season. The rookie quarterback has impressed and notched a few road wins this season while the Colts, even though they won the first matchup, have been mediocre and unpredictable even at home.
This will be a vastly different matchup from when these teams met in Week 2. Indianapolis has for the most part kept a winning formula this season, but Houston found its identity after the loss to the Colts. A different Houston team shows up and completes its remarkable turnaround by clinching a spot in the playoffs.
You can view the full list of USA TODAY’s NFL expert predictions here.
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