The league’s official website has spoken. In their Week 9 version of their game picks, the site’s editors predict the Denver Broncos to beat the Houston Texans. While the latter totals a losing record, Denver is entering a trap game.
The Texans’ defense allows the fewest yards per game and points per game. In addition, Pat Surtain II is expected to be out. Let’s see what the league’s official website has to say.
Broncos Are Projected To Win With Pat Surtain II Out
“Timing has been everything for Houston this year — and there are a couple of timing elements that could tip things in the home team’s favor this week, namely the pectoral strain that will deprive Denver of Patrick Surtain II, plus the Texans’ sudden offensive reawakening. There is one fact that can be relied on like clockwork, however: The utter dominance of both defenses in this game,” NFL.com’s Tom Blair wrote.
Even without Surtain II in the second half of Week 8, the Broncos, who rank 9th in PFSN’s OFFi, held the Cowboys’ starting offense to one touchdown. Denver’s defense also recorded an interception. Heading into Week 9, the Broncos’ defense allows the fifth-fewest total yards per game and points per game. It’s strength on strength.
“Which means my pick comes down to which offense I trust to do enough to survive. And even with Derek Stingley Jr. giving Houston an edge in the healthy-stud-cornerback department, I have more faith in Bo Nix’s ability to scratch something out than in C.J. Stroud’s ability to hold up against one of the fiercest pass rushes around,” Blair continued.
Speaking of offense, the Broncos’ offense ranks No. 9 in total yards per game, while the Texans’ offense ranks No. 17. The slight edge goes to Denver. The Broncos total the third-most rushing yards per game as well (137.8). The Texans’ offense ranks outside the top 15 in rushing yards per game and passing yards per game.
Circling back to the league’s official website, two of the other four editors for the league’s official website agree with Blair as well. So, three of five editors think the Broncos avoid a trap this week. Blair has the Broncos winning 21-18, while Ali Bhanpuri has the Broncos winning 21-20, and Gennaro Filice has the Broncos winning 21-19.
