Denver vs. Houston: A Battle of Strengths and Weaknesses
The Denver Broncos (6-2) are set to face the Houston Texans (3-4) on Sunday at 1 p.m. EST on FOX. The BetMGM line has the Texans as a 1.5-point favorite, with the Broncos having a 3-4-1 record against the spread and the Texans at 3-4.
The series between the two teams is closely contested, with the Broncos holding a 6-4 lead. Their last meeting was in December 2023, when the Texans defeated the Broncos 22-17 in Houston.
Recent Performances
Last week, the Broncos delivered a strong performance, defeating the Cowboys 44-24, while the Texans secured a 26-15 victory over the 49ers.
Broncos' Offense and Defense
- Offense: Ranked 9th overall, tied for 3rd in rushing, 14th in passing, and 10th in scoring.
- Defense: Ranked 5th overall, 10th in rushing, 7th in passing, and 5th in scoring.
Texans' Offense and Defense
- Offense: Ranked 17th overall, 17th in rushing, 16th in passing, and 20th in scoring.
- Defense: Ranked 1st overall, 5th in rushing, 4th in passing, and 1st in scoring.
The turnover differential also favors the Texans, who have a +4 advantage compared to the Broncos’ -1.
Key Players to Watch
Broncos: ILB Dre Greenlaw
Dre Greenlaw, the Broncos’ prized free agent, returns from a one-game suspension after being suspended for criticizing a referee during his debut. Despite a strained quadriceps that kept him sidelined for the first 1.5 months of the season, he made a return against the New York Giants, recording six tackles in just 21 snaps. His presence will be crucial as the team deals with the absence of star cornerback Patrick Surtain II.
Texans: QB C.J. Stroud
C.J. Stroud had his best game of the season last week, throwing for 318 yards and two touchdowns. He connected with nine different receivers despite missing star receiver Nico Collins, who was out due to a concussion. Stroud has five touchdown passes and just one interception in three home games this season.
Key Matchup
Houston’s top-rated defense faces off against Denver’s high-scoring offense. The Texans allow the fewest yards (266.9) and points (14.7) in the league. Meanwhile, the Broncos have been on a roll, scoring 44 points against the Cowboys and 33 points against the Giants. Their recent offensive output exceeds the 69 points allowed by the Texans in their past five games combined.
Key Injuries
Broncos
- Patrick Surtain II will miss multiple weeks after straining his left pectoral muscle.
- Nate Adkins (knee) is expected to miss several games. He was replaced by veteran Marcedes Lewis.
- Marvin Mims Jr. is in concussion protocol after sustaining an injury on a kickoff return.
Texans
- Nico Collins returned to practice and should play.
- Christian Kirk expects to be back after missing last week with a hamstring injury.
- Braxton Berrios and Dalton Schultz are expected to play despite injuries.
- Dylan Horton may miss the game due to a knee injury.
Series Notes
Denver won the previous two games in the series before the Texans’ win in 2023. Their first meeting was in 2004, with the Broncos winning 31-13. The Texans then won the next game in 2007 by the same score.
Stats and Highlights
- The Broncos are off to their best start since 2016, with a 6-2 record.
- They are the first team in NFL history to record more than 35 sacks in the first eight games of a season while allowing fewer than 10 sacks.
- Running back J.K. Dobbins has two 100-yard rushing games this season.
- Quarterback Bo Nix has thrown a touchdown pass in 16 consecutive games, the third-longest streak in the NFL.
- Nick Chubb has at least 60 yards of offense in five of seven games this season.
- Rookie Woody Marks has 111 yards of offense in his last game and is among four rookies with at least two games of 110 or more yards.
- Nico Collins has at least 50 yards receiving in eight of his past nine home games.
- Xavier Hutchinson had a career-high 69 yards and a touchdown last week.
- Jaylin Noel had a career-high five receptions.
- Will Anderson has five sacks this season and has had a tackle for loss in six of seven games.
- Danielle Hunter has 8.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss in his past six home games.
- Derek Stingley had four passes defensed and two interceptions in his previous game against Denver.
- Kamari Lassiter had his fifth career interception last week.
- Jalen Pitre has 20 tackles for loss and 26 passes defensed since 2022.
Fantasy Tip
Nico Collins could be a valuable addition to fantasy teams, as 16 of his 21 career touchdowns have come in Houston.