Indianapolis vs. Houston Predictions, Picks & Odds

by: Vernon Croy

When you think about the Indianapolis Colts, you think about Peyton Manning. One of the best quarterbacks of all-time continues to lead his team to 10 win seasons as if it's a guarantee. Another guarantee for his whole career has been that he'll suit up on Sunday, and that he has never missed a game. Well, heading into the week 1 Colts vs. Texans match-up, it appears as if Manning will be on the sidelines for the first time ever, and that will change the dynamic of this game in a major, major way.

Manning underwent neck surgery in the offseason, and that's the second time he's had a major operation on his neck. However, because of the lockout and an inability to see and consult with team doctors, Manning delayed on the procedure and waited until the summer to have it done. Now, his recovery after the injury has been slower than expected, and it appears as if he won't be properly healed by the first game of the season.

It's a major blow for the Colts, and also for Manning, who surely must be extremely disappointed by that. He had started every game of his professional career and could have made a run at Brett Favre's record for longevity, which finally cracked last season at the tail end of Favre's illustrious career.

The Houston Texans meanwhile are the team that always seems poised to make a run towards the playoffs but never gets the job done. They have Matt Schaub at quarterback and one of the best receivers in the game with Andre Johnson. They also have a breakout star at running back in Arian Foster. So this squad can put up a lot of points, they just need their defense to be better than it was last season so they don't absolutely need to put up 35 points every week of the season just to have a shot.

As a result of the Manning injury and his doubtful status for the game, the line for this match has shifted dramatically. The Texans are now 9 point favorites as they play host to the visiting Colts. The over/under for the game has been set at 43.5 points, and both of these teams can certainly put up a lot of points on the scoreboard.

The Colts will be starting Kerry Collins at quarterback, and he's a serviceable guy in there, but he's unfamiliar with the offense, and will need to jump in there right away, while also working with a running game that has been less than stellar in the past few years. It's going to be a tough road for Indy, and you have to like the Texans at home to cover the spread, as they will be looking at this as an opportunity to seize control of the AFC South division in Manning's absence. Peyton could always shock the world and suit up on Sunday, but barring that, then the Colts will be struggling on offense and won't be able to keep up with the firepower of the Texans.

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