Two powerful offenses collide at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday when Peyton Manning and the Colts host Matt Schaub and the Houston Texans.
From time to time you'll see the Colts simply 'go through the motions' in a game where they're expected to win big. That was the case last Sunday as they defeated the 49ers 18-14, failing to cover the lofty pointspread, and also keeping the game well below the posted total of 45 points.
I expect to see a much different story unfold this Sunday.
We can count on the Colts to be up for this one, as its a division game against a suddenly red hot Texans team. Houston's offense has been clicking since a no-show way back in Week 1. The Texans have scored more than 20 points in each of their last seven games, and have put up more than three touchdowns in three straight contests.
The Colts saw their streak of four consecutive games scoring more than 30 points come to an end last week. This looks like an excellent spot for Peyton Manning and company to get back on track, as they've scored 30 points or more in four straight matchups with the Texans.
In fact, this has been a high-scoring series for quite some time now. Each of their last eight matchups have produced at least 48 points, which just happens to be the posted total for this one. You would have to go all the way back to December of 2004 to find the last time these two teams didn't reach that number.
Houston was finally able to get its ground game rolling last week, picking up 186 rushing yards on 40 carries in Buffalo. This is a good spot for them to keep it going against a Colts defense that allows 4.5 yards per rush.
By contrast, the Colts should have no trouble moving the ball through the air against the Texans. Peyton Manning is averaging around 8.5 yards per pass play this season, and will face a Texans secondary that allows 6.7 yards per pass. Manning threw for nearly 600 yards and four touchdowns in two matchups with Houston last season.
I'm fairly certain that the Colts get to 30 points in this game, so we won't need a lot out of the Texans powerful offense to get this one over the total. The fact that we're able to play this number in the 40s is a bargain. Take the over.
Free Pick: Texans-Colts Over 48 (-110)
