Colts Texans Betting – Texans Look To Take Advantage Of Damaged Colts

For the past 13 seasons, the Indianapolis Colts have relied on Peyton Manning under center, and he has delivered as one of the best player’s to ever play the game. But with Manning’s status for week one up in the air after he missed the entire preseason following neck surgery, there are sports betting major question marks about the state of the Colts as they get set to open the regular season against the division rival Houston Texans.

Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans

Sunday September 11, 2011 – 1:00 PM ET

Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas

NFL Betting Lines: Houston Texans – 8.5

While the Colts have dominated for the past decade, the Texans have spent the past few years developing a roster capable of unseating them at the top of the AFC South. This year’s team may be the most talented in franchise history, and Houston will attempt to capitalize with one of the most important games of the season week one.

NFL Betting Preview: Indianapolis Colts

The Colts signed Kerry Collins as insurance for the injured Manning, but all that he ensures is that the team will be able to turn to a veteran with starting experience rather than rely on a couple of inexperience backups that proved incapable of operating the offense early on in the preseason. The offensive weapons remain the same with Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark back in the fold, but the loss of Manning could really stall a unit tailored to his strengths, especially since he has so many responsibilities. If the offense fails to move the ball, then the defense could be exposed. The Colts are still capable of generating pressure up front, but there are major questions marks at both linebacker and in the secondary.

NFL Betting Preview: Houston Texans

With Matt Schaub at quarterback, reigning rushing champion Arian Foster at running back, and Andre Johnson at wide receiver, the Texans boast three of the league’s most dynamic player’s at their sports betting bonus position. The offense can be counted on once again, but it’s the defense that will make the biggest difference this season. Houston added cornerback Johnathan Joseph and safety Danieal Manning in free agency, and that should help with one of the best pass rushing defensive lines looking to cause havoc up front. This is the year that head coach Gary Kubiak is expected to deliver a winner, and the talent is there to succeed.

How the times have changed in the NFL. A couple of years ago at this time it would be the Colts’ offense enjoying all the accolades while the Houston offense was in complete disarray, but with Manning on the shelf it is the other way around heading into week one of the 2011 season. The Texans don’t have to figure out why expectations are so high, and the team is expected to respond by making a statement at home.

NFL Betting Pick: Houston Texans – 8.5