The Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans are set for a highly-anticipated matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium in Week 1.
A rematch of the intense Week 18 bout that knocked the Colts out of playoff contention and won the division for the Texans, there are plenty of storylines to keep an eye on throughout Sunday's matchup.
The Colts are three-point underdogs at home against the Texans, according to BetMGM. The majority of NFL experts around the league are siding with the Texans walking away with a road victory.
In what should be a highly-contested matchup to begin the season, here's how we view the divisional bout shaking out on Sunday.
Sporting News staff picks, predictions for Colts vs. Texans
Kevin Hickey: Texans 30, Colts 26
To say this game could go either way isn't simply hedging a bet. These two teams split the season series last year, and the Colts nearly completed the sweep, if not for a brutal drop on fourth down to end the game in Week 18. A healthy Anthony Richardson gives the Colts a much higher ceiling, but the Texans made some serious upgrades on both sides of the ball. The Colts offense should be able to move the ball, but Houston's trio of Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell will be too much for a shaky Indy secondary in the end.
Cody Manning: Colts 31, Texans 27
Everything says the Texans should win this game. But once you factor in that the Colts haven't won a season opener since 2013 you would think they are due to end the drought. Anthony Richardson ends up being the difference maker which helps open up rushing lanes for Jonathan Taylor for the pair to have a great day on the ground. In a back-and-forth contest, it's Indianapolis that puts together a game-winning touchdown drive in the final two minutes for a win in Week 1.
Bill Bender: Texans 31, Colts 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."
Check out the rest of Bill Bender's picks and predictions for NFL Week 1.
Vinnie Iyer: Texans 28, Colts 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."
Check out the rest of Vinnie Iyer's picks against the spread for NFL Week 1.
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