Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans odds, expert tips, how to watch: The Texans are favored in Battle 2 for the top of the AFC South

The AFC South's top two teams face off for the second time this season when the Houston Texans host the Indianapolis Colts. Injuries are changing the dynamic of the rematch between the division-leading Texans and the Colts. Despite being struggling defensively, Houston holds an advantage over Indianapolis by more than a field goal.

Ball control played a big role in the Texans' 29-27 Week 1 victory over the Colts. A dominant drive from Texas running back Joe Mixon (30 carries, 159 yards) helped Houston maintain control of the ball for 40 minutes. Against a 31st-ranked Colts run defense, the Texans will continue to test whether Indianapolis can slow Mixon down. The Colts expect All-Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to return from injury this week to provide a boost.

Reliable running would help Houston after a poor game from quarterback CJ Stroud (10 of 21, 86 passing yards) during the Week 7 loss to Green Bay. Stroud played well against Indianapolis in all three of their previous meetings. But the Texans are without star wideout — and the Colts' well-known killer — Nico Collins.

The offense is still a work in progress for the Colts. Indianapolis QB Anthony Richardson ranks last among starters in completion percentage and quarterback rating. Despite all the difficulties, Indianapolis still finishes close games, winning four of their last five games. Richardson also deserves credit for leading several second-half scoring opportunities in the Week 7 win over Miami.

A healthy Jonathan Taylor is the deciding factor for the Colts. The lead back's biggest single game of each of the last two seasons came against Houston. The Texans were also missing five defensive starters in Week 7 – and many of those players appeared on the Week 8 injury report.

All odds from BetMGM. Looking for NFL tickets? Find them here.

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Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans odds

How to watch Colts vs. Texans

• Venue: NRG Stadium – Houston
• Time: 1 p.m. ET
• TV: CBS
• Streaming: Fubo (try for free)

Expert tips for Colts vs. Texans

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(Photo by Stefon Diggs: Maddie Malhotra / Getty Images)