Updated: April 26, 2025
- The Colts upset the Texans 21-7 in the first game of 2019 NFL Wild Card Weekend
- As the 6-seed, Indianapolis is locked into a meeting with the Chiefs in the Divisional Round next week
- One online sports betting site has opened the spread at KC -5
We didn't have to wait long to see our first upset of of the 2019 NFL Playoffs, as the Indianapolis Colts downed the Houston Texans in the first game of Wild Card Weekend.
The Colts suffocated the Texans early, scoring touchdowns on their first two drives, while forcing one turnover, one turnover-on-downs, and two three-and-outs on Houston's first four drives.
KENNY KENNY WE WANT MOORE!@KennyKennyMoe3 | #INDvsHOU pic.twitter.com/O1eZOjyI8U
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) January 5, 2019
Indianapolis would add another before halftime, taking a 21-0 lead into the locker room. The 21-point deficit would prove too much, as Andrew Luck and company held on to defeat the no. 3 Texans.
As the 6-seed, the Colts are locked into a meeting with the top-seeded Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round next week. BetOnline has opened their spread for the game at Kansas City -5.
Colts vs Chiefs Opening Spread
| Team | Spread at BetOnline |
|---|---|
| Indianapolis Colts | +5 (-110) |
| Kansas City Chiefs | -5 (-110) |
*Odds taken 5:47pm EST on 1/5
Colts are Red Hot
Though it classifies as an upset, not many were surprised by the outcome of Saturday's first Wild Card matchup.
The Colts entered the week having won nine of their last ten, which included a 24-21 victory in Houston in Week 14.
Action very even on #Colts at #Texans. About 51% of the cash on Houston (-2). No decision on ML either. House will be rooting for a low scoring affair – 64% of the coin on the Over (48.5). #NFLWildCard odds> https://t.co/Xd217puzlX
— Dave Mason (@DaveMasonBOL) January 5, 2019
Andrew Luck has returned to his lethal self, throwing for 23 touchdowns and just seven interceptions (a 106.8 passer rating) in those ten games. But what has really made this offense dangerous is how well they've been able to run the ball.
After rushing for just 372 yards in their first five games – an average of 74.4 per game – they would average 122.4 yards per game on the ground over their final 11.
Oh Marlon Mack.
He's fancy ?
?: #INDvsHOU on ESPN/ABC #NFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/JOwWLO9h1v
— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2019
While the Colts' revamped offensive line deserves a ton of credit, Marlon Mack has been the catalyst. After missing four of Indy's first five games, Mack rushed for 874 yards over the final 11 regular season tilts, including four games with at least 119 yards.
This remained true today as the second-year pro racked up 148 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries, an average of 6.2 yards per carry. Mack put this game on ice in the second half, busting through Texan defenders to keep the chains moving.
Mack's dominance on the ground made up for a mediocre performance from Luck, who went 19-of-32 for 222 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 INT – an 88.3 passer rating.
And just like that… The @colts jump out to a 21-0 lead in Houston.
Luck. Inman. SIX.
?: #INDvsHOU on ESPN/ABC #NFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/ZURRPWA1yE
— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2019
We can't wrap this up without discussing Indy's defense, though. The unit sacked Deshaun Watson three times, forced one turnover, and stopped the Texans three times on fourth down.
Cornerback Pierre Desir had a fantastic game while having to matchup with DeAndre Hopkins often, holding the league's second-leading receiver to just 37 yards on five catches.
Can the Colts Upset the Chiefs?
I know we still have three more games to enjoy during Wild Card Weekend, but this Colts-Chiefs matchup is going to be a lot of fun.
Luck is one of few quarterbacks in the NFL who can go toe-to-toe with MVP favorite Patrick Mahomes, and the Colts certainly get the nod when it comes to defense.
Colts smashing Texans 21-0. Might as well open up next week's odds. Chiefs open favored by five vs the Colts. Quickly moves to 4.5. Dime limts. Re-bet available> https://t.co/Xd217puzlX
— Dave Mason (@DaveMasonBOL) January 5, 2019
I'd take the five points while you can still get them. I expect this line to continue shrinking as the week goes on.
The post Colts Open as 5-Point Underdogs vs Chiefs at BetOnline appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.
Original source: https://www.sportsbettingdime.com/news/nfl/colts-open-5-point-underdogs-chiefs-betonline/
