Texans vs. Colts: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

The Houston Texans (12-3) and the Indianapolis Colts (10-5) have both clinched playoff berths heading into their matchup on Sunday. But there is still quite a bit on the line for both teams.

With a win, the Texans clinch home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. A huge deal in January contending against tough cold-weather teams like the Broncos and Patriots.

The Colts, on the other hand, don't have quite as much to play for as they're already locked into the fifth seed in the AFC. However, the Colts will have quite a bit of momentum entering this game.

After all, their coach is back.

Yep, Chuck Pagano will be back on the sidelines for Indianapolis in Week 17 after a bout with leukemia. It's one of the most inspirational sports stories of the year, and is sure to make Sunday's game very emotional for the Colts.

With home field on the line and the return of Pagano, plus J.J. Watt and Andrew Luck, this game is sure to provide some fireworks.

When: Sunday, Dec. 30 at 1 p.m. ET

Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

TV: CBS

Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket

Listen (radio): Free Football Radio

Spread: Houston -6.5 (via Football Locks)

The last time these two teams met, the Texans came away with a 12-point victory. However, expect a much closer game this time around.

Indianapolis is playing at home this time, where it is 6-1 on the season. It seems there is just something about the home crowd and the dome that gets this particular team going. Add to that the return of Pagano, and you can expect an energized group.

The Texans have the better talent. But in this game expect the Colts to cover the spread.

Over/Under: 46.5 (via Football Locks

The Texans average 26.7 points per game, the sixth-best mark in the league. However, they've struggled offensively the past three games, averaging only 16 points per.

Indianapolis, despite all the hype its offense receives, is only 18th in the NFL in points per game. 

The last time these two teams met, they put up a combined 46 points. But in that game the Colts offense struggled to get going for much of the contest.

Expect the group to play a little better on Sunday and stay closer to the Texans' pace.

Take the over.

Injury Report (via CBS), as of 12/26

Houston Injury Report

12/26/12	CB	Alan Ball	Foot		Did not practice. Questionable for Week 17 at Indianapolis
12/26/12	LB	Connor Barwin	Back, elbow		Full practice. Probable for Week 17 at Indianapolis
12/26/12	RB	Tyler Clutts	Abdomen		Full practice. Probable for Week 17 at Indianapolis
12/26/12	NT	Shaun Cody	Back		Limited practice. Questionable for Week 17 at Indianapolis
12/26/12	DE	Jared Crick	Neck		Full practice. Probable for Week 17 at Indianapolis
12/26/12	TE	Owen Daniels	Hamstring, neck		Limited practice. Questionable for Week 17 at Indianapolis
12/26/12	LB	Tim Dobbins	Shoulder		Limited practice. Questionable for Week 17 at Indianapolis
12/26/12	RB	Justin Forsett	Knee		Full practice. Probable for Week 17 at Indianapolis
12/26/12	RB	Arian Foster	Arrhythmia		Full practice. Probable for Week 17 at Indianapolis
12/26/12	CB	Johnathan Joseph	Groin, quadriceps		Full practice. Probable for Week 17 at Indianapolis
12/26/12	S	Eddie Pleasant	Hamstring		Full practice. Probable for Week 17 at Indianapolis
12/26/12	S	Glover Quin	Hip		Full practice. Probable for Week 17 at Indianapolis
12/26/12	LB	Brooks Reed	Groin		Limited practice. Questionable for Week 17 at Indianapolis
12/26/12	LB	Darryl Sharpton	Toe		Full practice. Probable for Week 17 at Indianapolis
12/26/12	DE	Antonio Smith	Ankle		Limited practice. Questionable for Week 17 at Indianapolis
12/26/12	RB	Ben Tate	Hamstring		Full practice. Probable for Week 17 at Indianapolis
12/26/12	QB	T.J. Yates	Right elbow		Full practice. Probable for Week 17 at Indianapolis

Indianapolis Injury Report

12/26/12	WR	Donnie Avery	Shoulder		Full practice. Probable for Week 17 vs. Houston
12/26/12	RB	Delone Carter	Ankle		Did not practice. Questionable for Week 17 vs. Houston
12/26/12	LB	Kavell Conner	Hamstring		Limited practice. Questionable for Week 17 vs. Houston
12/26/12	LB	Jerrell Freeman	Thumb		Full practice. Probable for Week 17 vs. Houston
12/26/12	LB	Dwight Freeney	Not injury related		Did not practice. Questionable for Week 17 vs. Houston
12/26/12	NT	Antonio Johnson	Ankle		Did not practice. Questionable for Week 17 vs. Houston
12/26/12	QB	Andrew Luck	Knee		Full practice. Probable for Week 17 vs. Houston
12/26/12	DE	Cory Redding	Quadriceps		Did not practice. Questionable for Week 17 vs. Houston
12/26/12	S	Tom Zbikowski	Knee		Limited practice. Questionable for Week 17 vs. Houston

Fantasy Big Plays

Houston: RB, Ben Tate

Nope, not Arian Foster this week. Instead, play his backup Ben Tate.

Foster, who left last Sunday's game with an irregular heartbeat, is available to play this Sunday. However, you can bet the Texans will limit the role of their best player with a playoff spot already locked up.

This leaves Tate with all the carries Foster would usually garner. And against a Colts defense that is weak versus the run, it should mean huge fantasy points.

Projected Stats: 18 carries, 117 yards, 1 touchdown

Indianapolis: Andrew Luck

Against a great Houston rush defense, Luck will be the main catalyst of the Colts offense this weekend.

What's new?

Luck has put the team on his back all season, and that won't change in Week 17. He's been a top 10 fantasy quarterback all year, and with the return of Pagano, expect the Colts to push for the win even though there's nothing on the line.

Meaning, the Colts will throw.

Projected Stats: 304 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception

Key to Victory

Indy's wideouts vs. Houston's defensive backs

It's no secret that Wade Phillips likes his defense to get after the quarterback with lot of fronts and pressure from different places. But in doing so, he leaves his corners on an island, expecting them to handle wideouts one-on-one with little to no help from the safety spot.

Last time around, his corners handled this responsibility well. They limited the Colts receivers to just 129 yards and only one touchdown.

In order for that to change on Sunday, Reggie Wayne, Donnie Avery and T.Y. Hilton must win on their routes and give Luck a place to throw the ball. 

Whichever group wins this battle will have a major advantage in this matchup.

Prediction

The Colts will have the emotional momentum in this game with Pagano's return to the sidelines. However, the Texans have a lot to play for as well with home-field advantage on the line.

And as important as Pagano's return is, the Texans still have considerably more to play for on Sunday. That, coupled with superior talent, allows the Texans to walk away with their 13th win in a close game.

Final Score: Houston 27, Indianapolis 21