MNF Odds – Texans, Colts Clash In Pursuit Of Titans In AFC South Race

With one half-game separating the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts from the Tennessee Titans for first place in the AFC South, the two teams currently seeded second in the division will clash at Lucas Oil Stadium this Monday night.

The Texans ran the ball through, in, and around the Colts in a season-opening 34-24 victory, their first win over the defending AFC South champions in franchise history.

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That loss is still in the memories of quarterback Peyton Manning and the rest of the Colts, with the series shifting home to Indianapolis for the rematch.The MNF odds have the Colts favored by just under a touchdown.

Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts
Monday November 1, 2010 – 8:20 PM ET
Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
Broadcast: ESPN

MNF Odds:

Texans +6, Colts -6
Total: 50

After opening with consecutive wins over the Colts and Washington Redskins, the Texans have been unable to maintain any consistency over the past four weeks, going .500 since September 26.

Indianapolis on the other hand has been red hot of late, following up the loss to the Texans with wins in four of their last five heading in to week eight.

MNF Odds: What The Texans Will Have To Do To Win

The Texans’ game plan is no secret. In four wins, they have scored an average 32.5 points, while in two losses they have averaged just 11.5. Houston has found a solid balance on the offensive side of the ball this season, and are ranked 11th moving the ball through the air, and fifth rushing it.

Running backs Arian Foster and Derrick Ward have both averaged over 5.5 yards per carry behind an improved offensive line, while combining for nine touchdowns on the ground. The Texans still rank dead last in the league against the pass, and if they are going to have any chance at winning will need to put up points.

MNF Odds: What The Colts Will Have To Do To Win

Peyton Manning could legitimately win the MVP award every year for his performance, and this season is no exception. Manning has already thrown for 1, 916 yards and 13 touchdowns while leading the Colts to the second-ranked passing attack in the league.

He’ll have to be at his best this week to keep up with the Texans. The Indianapolis defense has always been better against the pass than they have the run, and Houston exploited that fact week one. The run defense will have to make a statement in this game, and prove that they won’t be bullied at home.

MNF Odds: Outlook & Pick

The Texans had never beaten the Colts before this season, and it may be a tough task for them to make it twice in the same season. Indianapolis has been rounding in to top form over the past few weeks, and having the extra week to prepare for this divisional showdown likely won’t hurt them.

Houston has alternated wins and losses the past four weeks, and is due for a loss.

MNF Odds Pick: Colts -6