'0' quality and importance?! Behold the glory of Colts vs Texans in NFL Week 18
The Indianapolis Colts host the Houston Texans in the best NFL game this season* (*-your results may vary), even if FiveThirtyEight gives it a "0" in quality and importance.
Entering Week 18 action, the Colts (4-11-1) are in line for the No. 5 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, while the Texans (2-13-1) hold the No. 1 pick.
(In two of the past three seasons, the team in line to get the No. 1 draft pick the following year won its season finale. In 2019, the Bengals (1 win going in) beat the 6-win Browns, but still got to pick quarterback Joe Burrow. Last season, the Jaguars spoiled the Colts' season but kept the top pick, selecting linebacker Travon Walker.)
Here's what's great about this matchup:
What the Colts and Texans have in common
Both teams average 16.1 points per game and 4.7 yards per play, sharing the bottom in the NFL.
Both teams have used three starting quarterbacks. The Colts have alternated Matt Ryan, Sam Ehlinger and Nick Foles. Houston has used Davis Mills, Kyle Allen and Jeff Driskel. In a weird twist, Mills and Driskel both started last week, with Driskel behind center the first few plays, while Mills was in a receiver's spot.
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Colts, Texans vs. AFC South
The Texans are 2-2-1, with a win each over Jacksonville and Tennessee. The Colts are 1-3-1, beating the Jaguars. The Colts and Texans tied in Week 1 as Houston led by 17 points entering the fourth quarter before the Colts rallied. Rodrigo Blankenship missed a winning field-goal try in overtime.
Texans rank last in total offense
Houston ranks last in the NFL in yards per game (278.8), and next-to-last in rushing yards (88.6 per game, 3.8 per carry) and yards per pass (5.6). The Texans are 30th in 3rd-down conversions (29.9%) and touchdowns (1.6 per game).
The most the Texans have scored in a game is 24 points, twice. Both were losses. They have scored 1 touchdown or less in 6 games.
Colts rank last in touchdowns
Indianapolis ranks last in touchdowns (1.5 per game) and next-to-last in red zone touchdowns, as 44.2% of their drives deep into enemy territory finish in the end zone. The Colts are 30th in yards per pass (5.7).
In four games, the Colts did not score a touchdown, and in four others they scored 1 TD. In two games, they did not convert a 3rd-down play.
Texans rank last in rushing defense
The Texans allow an NFL-high 168.6 rushing yards per game. Houston opponents gain 378.4 yards per game, ranking 30th. That's 99.6 yards more than it gains on offense.
Colts defense struggles in the red zone
63.3% of Colts opponents' red zone drives result in touchdowns, next-to-worst.
Colts vs. Texans time, TV, streaming, radio
Time: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
TV: CBS, with Spero Dedes on play-by-play and Jay Feely with analysis. It's also available on the NFL+ app.
Radio: 93.5, 97.1 and 107.5 FM in Indianapolis, and SiriusXM Channels 225 and 813.
Are the Colts favored vs. the Texans?
The Colts are 2.5-point favorites, according to Draft Kings. The over/under is 38 total points.
The Colts are 6-10 against the spread, failing to cover the past 2 games, and 4 of the past 5. Six Colts games have gone over, 10 under. Four of their past 5 have gone over.
The Texans are 7-8-1 ATS, failing to cover last week after covering the 3 previous weeks. Six Houston games have gone over, 10 under. The past 2 have gone under.
ESPN's matchup predictor gives the Texans a 73% chance of winning. (Given the teams' history, it should be noted there's a 0.3% chance of a tie.) FiveThirtyEight gives the Colts a 59% chance to win.
Colts injury report
Colts who did not practice Thursday because of injury: QB Nick Foles (ribs), CB Stephon Gilmore (wrist), TE Kylen Granson (ankle); limited precipitation: CB Brandon Facyson (concussion); full participation: WR Ashton Dulin (concussion).
The Colts placed CB Kenny Moore II on injured reserve.
Texans injury report
Texans who did not practice Thursday because of injury: C Jimmy Morrissey (concussion), CB Steven Nelson (illness), DE Ogbo Okoronkwo (illness); limited participation: WR Phillip Dorsett (hamstring), TE O.J. Howard (hip); full participation: TE Teagan Quitoriano (thigh).
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts vs. Texans odds, TV for NFL Week 18, 2023 NFL Draft picks
