J.J. Watt #99 of the Houston Texans looks on during...

J.J. Watt #99 of the Houston Texans looks on during warmups before a game against the Giants at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 21, 2014 in East Rutherford, N.J. Credit: Getty Images / Alex Goodlett

COLTS (3-2) at TEXANS (3-2), 8:25 p.m.

Colts by 3; O/U: 46

TV:Ch. 2/NFL; Radio:WFAN (660, 101.9)

Finally, a Thursday night NFL game with some meaning, and it might even be a close score. Go figure!

The five victorious Thursday night teams this season have won by a combined margin of 205 to 60. That's an average score of 41-12, people. (At least we've been able to get to sleep by halftime!)

This is a key game for both teams tied atop the AFC South. Both clubs are 4-1 against the spread (ATS) this season.

The Colts, who have covered four of the last five meetings with Houston, are an impressive 11-1-1 overall on Thursdays, including 7-0 since 2007. Indy is being backed by the public at a 2-to-1 rate.

However, the home team is 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings between these two. Plus, I like the home team in Thursday night games on a short week. They're 4-1 overall this season. Taking a shot with the points in what I expect to be a close one.

The pick: Texans

Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, of Bay Shore, was killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. His mother has made it her mission to aid active-duty service members, veterans, first responders and Gold Star families. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports. Credit: Randee Daddona; Photo credit: Cathy Heighter

'His sacrifice made a difference': Gold Star mother honors son's memory Army Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, 22, of Bay Shore, was the first serviceman from Long Island killed in the Iraq War.

SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME