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Game Preview: Denver Broncos vs Houston Texans
The Denver Broncos visit the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Week 9 of the 2025 NFL season. Kickoff is set for Sunday, November 2, at 1:00 PM ET on FOX.
Denver (6-2) enters as one of the league’s hottest teams, anchored by a defense ranked fifth in points allowed (18.9 per game). Houston (3-4) counters with a top-ranked defense under DeMeco Ryans, allowing the fewest yards and points in the NFL. Both teams thrive on discipline, pressure, and defensive takeaways — setting up a classic AFC grinder.
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Key Storylines
- The Broncos are 6-2 behind Sean Payton’s balanced, physical roster.
- Houston leads the NFL in both yards and points allowed.
- Both defenses rank top five in takeaways and sacks.
- J.K. Dobbins continues to lead Denver’s ground game, ranking third in the NFL in rushing.
- Patrick Surtain II will miss the game for Denver due to injury.
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Denver Broncos Outlook
Denver’s rise under Sean Payton has been driven by a return to fundamentals — a fierce pass rush, ball security, and complementary offense. Bo Nix has developed into a steady hand under center, throwing for 15 touchdowns with accuracy and composure.
Running back J.K. Dobbins has provided the burst Denver’s offense lacked last season. His 634 rushing yards rank third in the league, and his efficiency helps control the tempo. The offensive line’s improvement has also allowed for better balance, helping Denver rank top 10 in time of possession.
Defensively, the Broncos have been relentless, ranking third in opponent scoring and first in sacks. They will need continued excellence up front to contain Houston’s dynamic offense led by C.J. Stroud.
Broncos Injury Report
Patrick Surtain II (CB) – Out, Pectoral
Marvin Mims Jr. (WR) – Questionable, Concussion
Nate Adkins (TE) – Questionable, Knee
Ben Powers (G) – Out, Biceps
Matt Peart (OT) – Out, Knee
Michael Burton (FB) – Out, Hamstring
Matt Henningsen (DE) – Out, Achilles
Nick Gargiulo (G) – Out, Undisclosed
Houston Texans Outlook
Houston’s defense has been historically good through eight weeks, leading the league in fewest points and yards allowed. Edge rushers Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter have combined for 13 sacks, while corner Derek Stingley Jr. continues to anchor an elite secondary.
Offensively, quarterback C.J. Stroud has kept the Texans competitive despite key injuries. Stroud has thrown for over 1,600 yards and 11 touchdowns, displaying poise and leadership. When healthy, receivers Nico Collins and Christian Kirk stretch the field, while rookie Jayden Higgins offers a reliable possession option.
Coach DeMeco Ryans continues to emphasize discipline and detail, preaching improvement despite the team’s defensive accolades. That focus will be tested against a Denver team that thrives on forcing mistakes and capitalizing on field position.
Texans Injury Report
Nico Collins (WR) – Questionable, Concussion
Christian Kirk (WR) – Questionable, Hamstring
Jimmie Ward (S) – Out, Foot
Joe Mixon (RB) – Out, Foot
Dalton Schultz (TE) – Questionable, Groin
Laken Tomlinson (G) – Questionable, Rest
Dylan Horton (DE) – Questionable, Knee
Denico Autry (DE) – Out, Rest
Betting Trends
- Broncos are 5-0 straight up in their last five games.
- Broncos are 4-1 against the spread in games with totals under 42 points.
- Texans are 7-1 ATS as favorites in their last eight games.
- Texans are 6-1 ATS in games with totals of 42 or fewer points.
- Broncos are 8-0 straight up in their last eight home games.
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Prediction
This matchup could be decided by turnovers and field position. Denver’s offense is more consistent overall, but Houston’s defensive efficiency and home-field advantage make it a coin flip. Expect a low-scoring, physical battle where one big play could swing momentum.
Projected Score: Broncos 23, Texans 20
Best Bet: Broncos +1.5 (-111)
Total Lean: Over 39.5 (-113)
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