Texans vs. Colts odds: Opening lines for Week 3 matchup

What may have been seen as an easier game for Houston before the season started has now become far more intimidating, especially after Indy's overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs . FanDuel is narrowly favoring the Texans to win over the Colts in this game, meaning the Texans haven't quite returned to the underdog status that they occupied for the majority of last season. They certainly aren't the world-beaters many expected of them coming into 2026, and FanDuel has taken note of the disappointing results, but despite it all, they are still favored in this game.

Since the Texans are -2.5, FanDuel is expecting the Texans to win, but still expects the game to be close. That's encouraging for Houston, and historically, this era of the Texans have been dominant against the Colts. They swept the Colts last year, and in his career, Texans QB CJ Stroud is 5-1 against Indianapolis, his only loss coming in 2023. This season, Stroud has been one of the few bright spots on the team thus far, and I expect him to continue his dominance over the Colts and their suspect pass-defense. Jonathan Taylor will likely feast on the Texans, but Houston's offense should be able to maintain a lead on Indianapolis. Colts WR Pierce's status for Week 3 following the team's loss to the Chiefs Sunday night is in serious doubt, so I think the Texans will rebound and get this season back on track. I'm taking the spread here! Watch out!

Between these two admittedly sloppy and injured squads, the Texans are narrowly favored. If you were to bet $14.60 on the Texans winning, you'd net $10.00 in return. After that Bengals game, I don't blame you if you're against betting on the Texans to win any game, but last time the Texans played the Colts, they won in a shootout in the 2025 season finale 38-30 on just 339 total yards – 35 less than they gained against the Bengals yesterday. That Texans win came from the efforts of a lot of backup players that Houston plugged into the game following the first half – which may bode well considering the amount of backups that will be playing next week's game due to Houston's alarming number of injuries. KPRC2's Aaron Wilson reported that it's possible both WR Nico Collins and RG Ed Ingram miss two games following their respective hamstring and groin injuries, so Houston's depth at those positions will be tested yet again.