Ahead of Week 9, the Broncos-Texans’ keys to the game boiled down to three things. Those factors were the Denver Broncos’ rushing offense versus the Houston Texans’ run defense, the Broncos’ defensive line versus the Texans’ offensive line, and the Broncos’ passing offense versus the Texans’ passing offense, albeit quarterback C.J. Stroud left early. That said, let’s get to the takeaways of the game.
Bo Nix Starts Slow Again
First- and second-quarter sacks on separate possessions force the Texans to settle for field goals as opposed to touchdowns. So, instead of down 14-0, the Broncos kept it a one-possession game while the offense figured things out.
After an interception early in the second quarter, QB Bo Nix kickstarts the offense on the ensuing drive with a 21-yard pass to tight end Adam Trautman. On a got-to-have-it third and seven, Nix finds Michael Bandy for 16 yards. Three plays later, Nix found wide receiver Courtland Sutton for a 30-yard touchdown reception. Broncos 7-6. The arrival of Nix will be televised.
Bo Nix’s pass to Courtland Sutton was the first touchdown pass of 20+ air yards that the Texans have allowed this year.
— Aric DiLalla (@AricDiLalla) November 2, 2025
After a pair of field goals, the Texans retake the lead at halftime. Houston 12-7. One of those field goals came on the last drive before halftime. Denver’s punt returner muffed the punt, and the Texans’ offense started on the Broncos’ 30-yard line. It’s a key three points that pushed the lead to a one-possession game (four to eight points) and not a one-score game (three or fewer points).
Nix’s first-half stats: six of 17 for 76 yards, a 35.3% completion percentage, 4.47 yards per attempt, one touchdown and interception, and a 45.2 passer rating.
The Broncos’ Defense Keeps the Game Close
Through three quarters, it’s 15-7 Texans. Denver’s defense keeps the Texans’ offense out of the end zone in three red zone trips. Nix repays the defense with an eight-play, 61-yard touchdown drive.
After spamming wide receiver Troy Franklin the first two plays for receptions, Nix finds running back RJ Harvey wide-open for a 27-yard touchdown pass later in the drive. Nix and Franklin link up on the two-point conversion. Broncos-Texans 15-15 in the final frame.
Since the opening drive of the game, the Broncos have held the Texans to 1-of-14 on third down.
— Aric DiLalla (@AricDiLalla) November 2, 2025
On the Broncos’ second-to-last possession, Nix finds Pat Bryant on third and 11 for a 13-yard completion right before the two-minute warning. Although Denver ends up punting, Nix displays the clutch gene. After getting the ball back with 50 seconds, though, the rest is history. Starting on his own 36-yard line, Nix finds a lane for a 25-yard run on second down. It flips the field position and puts the Broncos in field goal range.
On Houston’s 36-yard line, Nix runs for another nine yards for good measure later in the drive. The Broncos win 18-15 after a made field goal from kicker Will Lutz. Despite getting paced in time of possession, Nix leads the fourth-quarter comeback. It’s his fourth of the season, displaying his clutchness. Nix’s final numbers below.
18-of-37 for 173 yards, two touchdowns, an interception, 4.7 yards per attempt, and a 68.9 passer rating.
Time of possession:
| 25:24 | 34:36 |
On to the Las Vegas Raiders on “Thursday Night Football” in Week 10.