Indianapolis Colts vs Houston Texans Betting Trends

The upcoming NFL regular season Week 18 game on January 4, 2026, features the Indianapolis Colts visiting the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX. This Sunday football matchup promises an exciting finish to the 2025-26 NFL season. The Colts will start quarterback Riley Leonard, while the Texans will rely on C.J. Stroud under center. Despite Leonard being a capable starter, Stroud's recent performances give Houston a slight edge in passing offense, averaging 218.9 yards per game compared to Indianapolis' 224.7 yards. Houston's defense has been solid against the pass, allowing just 177.6 passing yards on average, while the Colts have conceded 250.6 yards, indicating a potential advantage for the Texans through the air.

Houston boasts a strong rushing offense with 107.4 yards per game, facing a Colts rush defense allowing 99.9 yards. On the flip side, Indianapolis runs for 120.7 yards against a Texans defense yielding 94.8 yards per game. Both teams possess respectable offensive lines, but Houston's pass protection (allowing 1.9 sacks per game) slightly outperforms the Colts' 2.4 sacks allowed, which could be a factor in the passing game efficacy.

The Texans enter the game favored by 10.5 points with a total points line set at 39. The Texans have been impressive lately with a 7-3 record and solid ATS results, while the Colts have struggled with an 8-8 record and inconsistent betting performance. Houston's home advantage at NRG Stadium, combined with their stronger defensive stats and recent form, makes them the recommended bet in this showdown.

Key injuries include Texans' defensive end Denico Autry listed as questionable and Colts' running back Tyler Goodson also questionable but likely to play. The game will be broadcast on CBS, providing fans and bettors an opportunity to tune in and catch the action live. For those looking to get the best betting edge, consider Start your OddsTrader Turbo subscription or place your bets with a trusted U.S. regulated sportsbook like Caesars.

In their last matchup on November 30, 2025, the Texans edged out the Colts 20-16 in a close game at Lucas Oil Stadium, which can be reviewed for additional betting insights here. The Texans hold a 9-7 ATS record at home, while the Colts are 4-3 ATS on the road this season, details available on our NFL standings page.