Colts vs. Texans picks, predictions Week 1: What NFL experts are saying

Kevin Hickey

Colts vs. Texans picks, predictions Week 1: What NFL experts are saying image

The Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans are preparing for a highly-anticipated Week 1 matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium that should provide plenty of fireworks. 

As the Colts hope to get a full season out of potential breakout star Anthony Richardson, the Texans spent the offseason building around their star quarterback C.J. Stroud, who is coming off one of the best rookie seasons in recent memory.

While the Colts made subtle additions during free agency — opting to retain a handful of their own players — they did make some notable additions in the draft. Meanwhile, the Texans used free agency and the trade market to add some star power in the forms of Stefon Diggs and Danielle Hunter.

This divisional bout will be a rematch of the intense regular-season finale that knocked the Colts out of playoff contention and vaulted the Texans as division winners.

Ahead of this matchup on Sunday afternoon, we're taking a look at how the experts around the league feel about the outcome. 

Colts vs. Texans picks, predictions Week 1

Sporting News

Vinnie Iyer: Texans, 28-24

"C.J. Stroud vs. Anthony Richardson revs up as a rivalry again, as both second-year QBs are healthy to open AFC South play early. The Texans are feeling great about their favorite status to repeat in the division, pouring on plenty more to help Stround and DeMeco Ryan's Will Anderson Jr.-fueled defense. The Colts have higher overall expectations and can get into the wild-card mix later, but the Texans have fewer questions out of the gate."

Bill Bender: Texans, 31-21

"Second-year quarterbacks C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson will square off, and this is a chance for Richardson to quiet down the critics after an uneven preseason. The Houston hype is real, and they have won the past two meetings at Lucas Oil Stadium. Stroud keeps that momentum from last season rolling, and a fourth-quarter interception helps the Texans put the Colts away."

ESPN

Matt Bowen: Texans

Kimberley A. Martin: Texans

Jason Reid: Texans

Dan Graziano: Colts

Lindsey Thiry: Texans

Seth Wickersham: Texans

CBS Sports

Pete Prisco: Colts, 24-23

"This is a rematch of the game the Texans won in Week 18 to get to the playoffs last year. The Colts didn't have Anthony Richardson in that one, but he's back now at quarterback. C.J. Stroud will build on his 2023 rookie season, but opening on the road is tough. The Colts will hang around here and find a way to win it late."

MORE COLTS
Colts injury report for Week 1
NFL experts predict Colts win total for 2024 season
Former Colts draft pick, preseason standout has workout with division rival

Kevin Hickey

Kevin Hickey Photo

Hickey was previously the managing editor of USA Today's Colts Wire. His work is also featured as a fantasy football analyst for The Huddle. A career .232 hitter, he is an avid reader of Spider-Man comics, an admirer of the James Webb Space Telescope, and a keen enthusiast of Ma’s sauce. You can find him on Twitter/X @KevinHickey11