ESPN predicts Colts vs. Texans in season opener

The Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans are almost ready to open their season on Sunday at 1:00 PM at Lucas Oil Stadium. For the Colts, everything revolves around the success and rhythm of quarterback Anthony Richardson against the defending 2023 AFC South champions. However, with the acquisition of talented players in the 2024 offseason, it won’t be easy to beat the Texans on offense or defense. In a recent article from ESPN Experts who have been making detailed predictions for the first week’s games aren’t too sure about Indianapolis’ chances.

While one prediction has Indianapolis coming off a close, low-scoring victory (18-17), other predictions aren’t so kind to the Colts. Then there are the 30-21 and 30-7 score predictions in Houston’s favor, showing that ESPNThe company’s experts are not entirely ready to believe in the capabilities of Shane Steichen’s team.

“The Colts are counting on the defense to put consistent pressure on Stroud to compensate for the young defense.”

– Stephen Holder | ESPN

What’s next for the Colts? Don’t miss any news and analysis! Stop by and Sign up for our free newsletter and get the latest Colts news delivered straight to your inbox!

While Indianapolis has a young defense and a defense that faltered against C.J. Stroud in Week 18 last year, the Colts’ defensive line is far from weak. However, as noted ESPNIndianapolis’ Stephen Holder didn’t fare as well defensively as the Texans kept their offensive line intact for the second meeting.

“In the second game, with Houston’s offensive line at full strength, the Colts picked off Stroud twice and had just eight pressures. What will Sunday bring?”

– Stephen Holder | ESPN

The sky is the limit for what this clash between Indianapolis and Houston could bring to fans on Sunday. While there are many storylines to discuss, none are more exciting than Richardson vs. Stroud. Last year, the series ended in a 1-1 tie, so who will win Sunday’s clash? The time to find out is fast approaching.

Want more Colts content? Check out the latest episode Horseshoe Huddle Podcast!

Follow Horseshoe Huddle on Facebook AND X; sign up for YouTube for multiple Colts live podcasts per week.