subject: Monday Night Football Pick: Texans at Colts [print this page] Monday Night Football Pick: Texans at Colts
Monday Night Football - After the scoring spree in Week 7 that saw 10 overs, 4 unders and the highest per game scoring average in the NFL since 1983, it was no surprise to see the Over/Under stats in Week 8 come back down to Earth.
But now with one huge game left to play, our sportsbook has posted the highest total that football bettors have been faced with all season.
HOUSTON AT INDIANAPOLIS
Line: Colts -5.5
Over/Under: 51
The Texans offense was 10th in scoring last year and with the emergence of RB Arian Foster this unit showed no signs of slowing down. The problem has been a defense that before Houston's bye week was dead last in points allowed.
Houston's last two opponents have each scored 30-plus points against the Texans and all six teams this year scored a minimum of 24 points.
Indianapolis Colts is putting up its usual numbers despite nagging injuries to the offense and Peyton Manning is practically an agent for his rookie talent, bringing up the value of generic players and adding zeros to their future contracts. That was before Week 6, though, when TE Dallas Clark (wrist) was lost for the season.
Through injuries to Reggie Wayne and Tony Gonzalez the past two years Manning did not skip a beat but Clark didn't miss a single start. He was consistently good for three or four critical receptions per game and routinely drew coverage away from the lesser known talent. In short, he was the perfect security blanket for the best pocket passer in the game.
TURN UP THE HEAT
Bringing pressure on Manning gives the Texans their best chance against the pass and in two road games this season Houston has recorded seven QB sacks. Pro Bowl linebacker DeMeco Ryans (Achilles) suffered a season-ending injury in his last start but Brian Cushing, who missed the first month with a suspension, is now fully up to speed.
Texans defensive coordinator Frank Bush will look to shift Cushing inside to captain the defense and this will also help Houston scheme against Indy's run-game.
In two home games this season the Colts have rushed the ball 74 times for 257 yards (3.5 YPC) but RB Joseph Addai (neck) could not practice on Saturday and Indianapolis listed him as doubtful.
Donald Brown will likely make his first start all season but Brown is averaging just 3.5 yards on 23 carries (1 TD).
PREDICTION
The Colts have had a bye week to work on some of the glitches in their offense and will no doubt find a way to put points on the board but Houston seems to move the ball at will. The average total points in the Texans' last seven visits here is 53.9 and this could come down to who has the ball last. In that situation we will take the points.
