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C.J. Stroud vs. Anthony Richardson NFL Prop Predictions, Odds Week 2: Rivals Face Off in Houston

Philip Wood

Last Updated: September 17, 2023 11:55 AM EDT • 3 min 12 sec read.

Check out our top NFL prop predictions for the C.J. Stroud vs. Anthony Richardson matchup, based on the best NFL odds for the Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans game.

Two rookie quarterbacks are set to face off in a Week 2 divisional game. Both Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud and Indianapolis Colts QB Anthony Richardson showed promise for most of Week 1. Stroud completed 28 of 44 passes for 242 yards, while Richardson went 24-for-37 with 223 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Richardson accounted for two total touchdowns, albeit against a weaker defense.

Should we anticipate ongoing success from these two young quarterbacks in Week 2, or is one of them likely to have a subpar performance?

Here are our best Stroud vs. Richardson NFL prop predictions for the Colts vs. Texans Week 2 matchup (odds via our best NFL betting sites; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale).

C.J. Stroud vs. Anthony Richardson NFL prop predictions for Week 2

Stroud vs. Richardson player props

Anthony Richardson +28.5 passing yards (-115 via DraftKings) ⭐⭐⭐

Stroud’s 242 passing yards in Week 1 looked impressive, especially when you consider the defense he played against. However, don’t expect as much pressure on the young quarterback in Week 2, as his team faces a much more favorable matchup against the Colts.

The Texans managed just 72 rushing yards in Week 1, 20 of them from Stroud. They should put more emphasis on running back Dameon Pierce against a team that allowed 105 yards and two ground touchdowns last week.

Additionally, Richardson’s passing attack looked solid in his NFL debut. He threw for 223 yards against a decent defense. He had 40 of the team’s 65 rushing yards, but with Colts RB Zack Moss back in the lineup, there should be more success from the backs. Yet, no matter who plays, we’re not willing to take Stroud at -28.5 Over anyone.

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C.J. Stroud + Anthony Richardson Over 2.5 touchdown passes (+110 via DraftKings) ⭐⭐⭐

At this price, it's well worth a play. Stroud is still looking for his first NFL touchdown, and faces a defense that allowed two to Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence in Week 1. While the Texans didn’t score any TDs last week, expect them to have more success against a D that allowed 31 points a week ago.

Richardson did throw a touchdown in his debut, then stole a passing TD from himself by running it in. The Texans’ defense allowed three rushing touchdowns to the Ravens last week. But the Ravens are a run-first team.

Richardson can throw two or more TDs in this game. The offense actually was really good in their first week with him at center. Based on how Stroud looked in Week 1, he could do some damage against the Colts’ secondary.

C.J. Stroud -1.5 completions (-115 via DraftKings) ⭐⭐⭐

If Week 1 was any indication, then Richardson will have a lot of designed runs called for him this season. He carried the ball 10 times, and even with Moss in the backfield this week, he could come close to that number again. He still managed 24 completions, albeit in a high-scoring game.

Meanwhile, Stroud only ran the ball four times. When he drops back to pass, it seems the Texans really do want him to throw the ball. He attempted 44 passes in Week 1, and completed 28 of them.

As we said earlier, Pierce will be a bigger part of the Texans’ offense this week. However, that won’t stop Stroud from completing more passes than Richardson, as the Colts QB looks to run much more often.

C.J .Stroud vs. Anthony Richardson player prop picks made 9/16/23 at 8:15 a.m. ET.

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Written By:
Philip Wood
Phil has covered sports betting since 2016, and he has been with SportsBook Review since 2022. He previously hosted the College Football Pick 'Em podcast for CanesInsight.com. He is always looking for value, especially on lines that just seem too good to be true. His belief is that if a line doesn't make sense just assume oddsmakers know something you don't. He also loves in-season futures. There is so much value to be had as the public overreacts weekly. Bettors tend to forget just how long NFL and college football seasons are. After all, the Green Bay Packers were 2-5 in 2023 and they made it to the Divisional Round. When deciding where to bet, it comes down to value over everything. +100 is always better than -110. An alumnus of The U, Phil always holds out hope that the next head coach will be the one who turns the football program around. He is also a diehard Detroit Lions fan and is willing to forgive Dan Campbell for forgetting that a kicker can be useful.