Broncos at Texans Picks, Predictions & Betting Odds
- Odds: Texans -9
- Over/Under: 42
- Kickoff: 1 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: CBS
Odds as of Thursday evening and via DraftKings, where Action Network users get a risk-free bet up to $500.
Coming off of their Sunday Night Football victory over the Patriots, Deshaun Watson and the Texans welcome the struggling Broncos to Houston on Sunday afternoon.
Our experts preview the game, complete with analysis of a key matchup and a staff pick.
Broncos-Texans Injury Report
Which team is healthier? Texans
The Texans are in good shape as no player of note on their injury report has missed practice — everyone was either limited or a full go. Will Fuller’s limited practice is typical this time of year, so he should be fine for this matchup.
The Broncos' injury report is looking better on Thursday than their initial one on Wednesday. Offensive lineman Ron Leary (concussion) is the only player on Thursday who has yet to practice. Their biggest injury to monitor is Von Miller (knee), who didn’t play last week with an MCL injury. Miller has been limited in back-to-back days and there appears to be some doubt around his status. — Justin Bailey
Note: Info as of Thursday. See our Injury Report for daily practice participation and game statuses up until kickoff.
Biggest Mismatch
Phillip Lindsay vs. Texans Run Defense
The Broncos have made a conscious decision to feature to Lindsay as their lead running back, much to the delight of fantasy owners. He tallied 17 of the Broncos' 25 rushing attempts in their 23-20 win over the Chargers in Week 13.
Since losing defensive end J.J. Watt to a pectoral tear in Week 8, the Texans have been gashed by opposing running backs. Houston had allowed huge rushing performances to Baltimore’s Gus Edwards (8/112), Indianapolis’ Jonathan Williams (26/104) and New England’s James White (14/79).
Denver's offensive line ranks fourth-best in stuffed rate, meaning Lindsay is rarely tackled at or behind the line of scrimmage. He is ninth-best among all running backs in breakaway runs meaning Houston needs to address his explosive play ability (PlayerProfiler).
The Texans are the league’s worst team in limiting running back receptions, allowing per game average of 7.2 receptions and 62 receiving yards. Houston has also allowed the second-most receiving touchdowns to opposing running backs.
The versatility of Lindsay against a soft Houston run defense is the biggest mismatch. — Mike Randle
Sean Koerner's Projected Odds
- Projected Spread: Texans -8.5
- Projected Total: 42.5
I'm close to the market, so this is a pass from me. — Sean Koerner
Expert Pick
Our staff doesn't see value on this game right now, but that could change as lines move, so download our app to follow specific experts and action around this game.
