NFL Week 12 Betting - Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans

If last week was the biggest game in the history of the Houston Texans (5-5, 5-4-1 ATS), than this week is an absolute must-win for a franchise that is hoping to pick up its first playoff berth in team history. Standing in their way in Week 12 NFL betting action are the Indianapolis Colts (10-0, 6-3-1 ATS). These two teams hooked up at Lucas Oil Field just three weeks ago, with Indy picking up a 20-17 victory.

Even though the Colts kept their undefeated season alive that day, it was Houston bettors that rejoiced about the ATS victory.

Now, HC Jim Caldwell's club has to face a 3.5-point NFL point spread, while the 'total' in this AFC South clash has been set at 47.5 at BetUS Sportsbook.

The Colts haven't been winning games pretty lately, but they've been winning. Since dominating St. Louis 42-6 back on October 25th, Indy has only won its four games by a combined ten points, going just 1-2-1 ATS in the process. However, when you're talking about the most feared offenses in the NFL, you don't look much further than that of the Colts.

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QB Peyton Manning has already thrown for 3,171 yards and 21 TDs this season. WR Reggie Wayne should reach the 1,000-yard barrier in receiving this week, as he comes into the Texans game at 968 yards and eight scores on 76 catches for the year. Don't underestimate just how good this defense is, though. DEs Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney have been terrorizing opposing quarterbacks for years as a tandem and this year’s no exception; the duo’s combined for 16 sacks in '09.

There has to be a big question about how ready the Texans will be for this game after suffering back-to-back incredibly crushing defeats. They had both Indy and Tennessee dead to rights in their L/2 games, but thanks to poor play down the stretch, they couldn't capitalize and capture either victory.

That seems to be a trend for HC Gary Kubiak's club, which hasn't scored a single point in the final two minutes of any game this year. In each of its L/4 losses, Houston has had a chance to tie the game in the dying seconds. Against Jacksonville, RB Chris Brown fumbled at the goal-line.

Against Arizona, RB Steve Slaton was stacked up a matter of inches short of the end zone on 4th and goal. And finally, K Kris Brown missed game-tying field goals as time was expiring against both Indy and Tennessee their L/2 games. There's no doubt that the Texans can move the football, as they average 371.4 yards per game, but there's still a serious question about how well this team can play in the clutch in the 4th quarter.

Houston is due for a major letdown and is probably going to crash and burn in this game. The Colts know what's coming at them, and they have owned the Texans over the years. Houston has only beaten Indy once in team history. That isn't likely to change on Sunday. Look for the Colts to come out and put its most impressive 'W' on the board in over a month in Week 12.

Rose's Recommendation: 3* Indianapolis Colts

(Rating Scale: 1* - 5*)