Five Reasons the Houston Texans Will Defeat the Indianapolis Colts

Monday Night Football kicks off tonight with an intriguing rematch in the AFC South as the Indianapolis Colts host the Houston Texans. The latest NFL Odds released by the online sportsbook BetMania has the Colts listed as 5.5 point favorites. That is too many points to give and in fact the Houston Texans will win this game.

Here are five reasons the Texans pull the upset and defeat the Colts.

Arian Foster

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HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 12: Running back Arian Foster #23 of the Houston Texans runs in the NFL season opener against the Indianapolis Colts at Reliant Stadium on September 12, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

In the first meeting between these two high-powered teams, it was the Houston running back that did the most damage. Arian Foster put on a great display as he rushed for a team-record 231 yards and three touchdowns. Foster looks to keep his impressive season going against a defense that ranks 26th in the NFL in rushing defense at 137.3 yards per game and is allowing a robust 4.8 yards per carry.

There is a very good chance that Foster will record his fourth game of 100 yards or more on the ground. Look for a busy night for free safety Antoine Bethea who leads the Colts in tackles, another example of a porous front seven on the Colts defense.

Colts Injuries

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HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 12: Wide receiver Austin Collie #17 of the Indianapolis Colts at Reliant Stadium on September 12, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The injuries continue to pile up for the Colts and quarterback Peyton Manning will be without several of his weapons on Monday night. Pro Bowl tight end Dallas Clark is out for the season and wide receiver Austin Collie is out with a surgically repaired thumb. In the first encounter with Houston Manning connected with both receivers for a combined 22 catches and 243 yards, so they will be missed.

The running game may take a hit as Joseph Addai may also be sitting out with an injury. That leaves Peyton Manning as the main weapon on offense. While Manning is one of the best, he will need to get help from somewhere. Manning put up big numbers in the first meeting yet still left losers.

Trend Setters

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HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 12: Wide receiver Jacoby Jones #12 of the Houston Texans runs the ball past Kelvin Hayden #26 of the Indianapolis Colts at Reliant Stadium on September 12, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

From an NFL betting standpoint, the trends also favor the Texans in this prime time battle.

The road team has been the best bet as they are 4-1 against the spread (ATS) in the last five meetings. NFL underdog players know that the Texans thrive when they are getting points in a game. The Texans are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games as an underdog and 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games as a road underdog.

They step it up a notch when they visit a winning franchise as they are 4-1 ATS in their last five road games against a team with a winning home record. Finally the Texans often excel after a good offensive showing as they are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games after accumulating more than 350 total yards in their previous game. This tells me that when the offense is in rhythm it carries over. The play is the Texans and the points. 

Most Important Game on Houston’s Schedule

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HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 12: Andre Johnson #80 and Matt Leinart #9 are introduced to the crowd before playing the Indianapolis Colt during the NFL season opener at Reliant Stadium on September 12, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

This is the rivalry game for the Texans. They see the Colts as the team to beat in the AFC South and have specifically built the franchise to beat the Colts. The Colts have had their number since their inception and the Texans have yet to beat the Colts in Indianapolis. They have come close, but always find a way to lose the game. Sweeping a season series from the Colts is not easy as they have not been swept since Tennessee beat them twice in 2002.

In week one they beat the Colts, breaking the mental stranglehold the Colts had over them, but this game would prove they can play with the Colts anytime and anywhere. This game could basically become the deciding factor in the AFC South race. If Houston were to win they would hold a strong advantage over the Colts and may just make the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.

Houston’s Offense

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HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 12: Quarterback Matt Schaub #8 at Reliant Stadium on September 12, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Houston’s offense ranks up there with some of the best in the NFL. The offense ranks fourth overall in total yards with 379 yards per game.

Matt Schaub leads the team at quarterback and is an exceptional passer that has thrown for over 1500 yards on the season with nine touchdowns. Schaub also has the luxury of having one of the best wide receivers in football in Andre Johnson. Johnson is a constant deep threat and will demand a double team on nearly every play which leaves Owen Daniels open for big gainers.

The offense put up big numbers on the ground in week one and establishing the running game opens up the passing game which will lead to a big win for the Texans.

Matt Regaw is a B/R Featured Columnist and the founder of BookieBlitz.com, your one-stop shop for sports articles, previews, and predictions. Feel free to contact Matt at [e-mail]