Free betting tips for Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans, preview, TV details

Free American football tips, best bets and analysis for Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans in Week 12 of the NFL.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Action, 1.20am Thursday night

Best bet

Over 20 Indianapolis points
2pts 10-11 Ladbrokes

Match preview

Of the eight NFL divisions, the AFC South is proving the most difficult to call and Thursday's game between Houston and Indianapolis is likely to go a long way towards deciding the section.

The rivals head to the NRG Stadium having experienced contrasting fortunes in their Week 11 outings.

The Colts should be buoyant after a 33-13 divisional win over Jacksonville while the Texans have had a short week licking their wounds after being thumped 41-7 by the league's most in-form team, Baltimore.

Often such events provide good opportunities for bettors to support the team who have been heavily defeated on the handicap the previous week, but bookmakers have still installed Houston as 3.5-point favourites so it makes limited appeal, particularly as DeShaun Watson was sacked seven times in their defeat to the Ravens.

However, the Colts are weakened by the absence of running back Marlon Mack who has broken his hand, offsetting much of the optimism about receiver TY Hilton returning from injury. That makes the prices easier to understand.

The Colts beat Houston 30-26 in Week Six when quarterback Jacoby Brissett has a memorable game, throwing for 326 yards and four touchdowns.

The Jaguars have scored three and 12 points against the Texans this season but Carolina are the only other side who have not scored at least 20 against the Texans this season.

They have conceded an average of 23.2 per game, which is the 19th best record in the league and the Colts have averaged 21.5 on their travels.

So while Texans coach Bill O'Brien plainly has problems with his offensive line, they are still prone to conceding points and the mark of 20 for Indianapolis may prove on the low side.

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The lowdown

Venue NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
Surface Grass
Weather Overcast, 20C (retractable roof may be closed)
Vegas handicap Indianapolis +3.5
Vegas points line 44.5

Team news

Indianapolis
Wide receiver TY Hilton could be available after a calf injury but running back Marlon Mack is out with a broken hand. Tight end Eric Ebron and cornerback Pierre Desir are rated questionable

Houston
Safety Justin Reid is doubtful. Cornerback Bradley Roby, safety Tashaun Gipson, right tackle Tytus Howard and wide receiver Will Fuller are all rated questionable.