Colts vs. Texans 2019: TV Channel, Latest Betting Odds, Expert Predictions For AFC Playoff Game

colts texans — Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts steps up in the pocket to pass under pressure by D.J. Reader #98 of the Houston Texans in the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Houston, Texas. Tim Warner/Getty Images

Two bitter division rivals will meet in the postseason for the first time on Saturday, as the Indianapolis Colts travel south to take on the AFC South champion Houston Texans.

The regular seasons series between these two AFC contenders could not have been more evenly matched. The Texans won the first game in Indianapolis by a field goal in overtime, while the Colts won by three in Houston later in the season. The total combined score of those games was 58-58.

All eyes will be on the quarterbacks in this matchup. Colts QB Andrew Luck came back from concerns that his career might be over and played better than ever, completing more than 67 percent of his passes and throwing 39 touchdowns, good for second in the league.

For Houston, Deshaun Watson lived up to expectations after his rookie season was cut short by an injury. The second-year Clemson product was quietly one of the better quarterbacks in football, throwing for 4,165 yards, 26 touchdowns and just nine interceptions.

Both teams have top 10 defenses, but the Colts have a significant advantage in the trenches. Houston’s offensive line allowed the most sacks in the NFL with 62; Indianapolis only allowed 18, the fewest in the league. A suspect Texans secondary could also be a liability against the likes of Luck, T.Y. Hilton and Eric Ebron.

However, a raucous Houston crowd and a pass rush led by J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney could cause trouble for the Colts.

Colts vs. Texans Wild Card Playoffs Info:

Time: 4:35 p.m. ET, Saturday, Jan. 5

TV Network: ESPN, ABC

Livestream: WatchESPN (Cable login required)

Spread: Texans by 1.0 ( Bovada )

Colts vs. Texans Expert Picks:

Alex Perry, International Business Times - Colts

Bobby Ilich, International Business Times - Texans

Mike Golic, ESPN - Texans

Mina Kimes, ESPN - Texans

Benjamin Hoffman, New York Times - Colts