What looked like just another game six weeks ago has suddenly turned into a matchup with huge playoff implications for both the Denver Broncos and Houston Texans. Which team has the edge in this contest? We’ll take a look at the odds and break down the matchup.
Broncos vs. Texans Betting Lines, Start Time, and More
All odds from DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Spread: Texans -3
- Moneyline: Broncos (+136), Texans (-162)
- Over/Under: 47.5
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. ET
- Location: NRG Stadium
- Channel: CBS
Broncos vs. Texans Prediction
After a 1-5 start, Denver has won five in a row to get back into the playoff picture. It is the longest winning streak by the Broncos since 2015 when they won seven in a row on their way to a win in Super Bowl XL.
MORE: PFN’s FREE NFL Playoff Predictor
During this win streak, the Broncos haven’t exactly beaten a bunch of junior varsity teams either. Among the teams Denver has taken down during this streak are the Kansas City Chiefs, the Buffalo Bills — in Buffalo, N.Y. — and the Cleveland Browns.
However, with Sunday being the first of three straight road games, how much longer can the Broncos’ run really last?
The quarterback matchup highlights this meeting. Combined, Denver’s Russell Wilson and Houston’s C.J. Stroud have 39 touchdown passes and just nine interceptions. They are also two of six quarterbacks with a passer rating of 100+ (Wilson — 103.4; Stroud — 100.8).
Stroud, in particular, has been on fire in the last month. His 1,466 pass yards over his last four games are the most passing yards in any four-game span by a rookie since the 1970 NFL merger.
On the other side, Wilson has a 98.1 passer rating on the road this season, which ranks third among qualified QBs.
So, which defense has the best chance to shut the other team down? Denver’s defense has not allowed a wide receiver to have 75 or more yards since Week 5. However, the Broncos have the league’s worst rush defense, allowing 155.2 rush yards per game and 5.4 yards per carry.
The Broncos also lead the NFL with 22 takeaways this season, a number that includes a league-high 12 fumble recoveries.
Houston’s defense has had mixed results this year. The Texans rank eighth in rush defense, allowing 95.1 yards per game on the ground. However, Houston does rank in the bottom 10 of the league in pass defense, allowing over 250 YPG (252.5).
MORE: NFL Team Over/Under Standings
The Texans allowed 445 yards in last week’s loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, just two off their season-high for yards allowed (447 in a Week 5 loss to the Atlanta Falcons).
Denver cornerback Damarri Mathis (back) is questionable, appearing on the injury report for the first time on Thursday.
Houston’s injury issues include some notable pass catchers, such as tight end Dalton Schultz, who is out with a hamstring injury. Wide receivers Tank Dell (calf) and Noah Brown (knee) are both listed as questionable, but both appear as if they will be able to go on Sunday.
After not being favored in one game last season, Sunday will be the fifth time the Texans will head into a game as a betting favorite this year. The bad news? Houston is 0-4 vs. the spread as a favorite this season (0-3 ATS as a home favorite).
The Broncos are rolling these days. News of Russell Wilson’s NFL career dying out was clearly premature. And even though they are at home this week, Houston lost a little momentum with its loss to Jacksonville last week. While it may get that momentum back before the season is over, I don’t think this is the week it will happen.
I’m looking for the Broncos to keep the playoff push continuing.
Best Bet: Broncos +3 (-110 at DraftKings Sportsbook)
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