Broncos vs. Texans Point Spread: NFL Week 9 Odds, Prediction
After scoring 33 fourth-quarter points a week earlier in a dramatic comeback win over the New York Giants, Bo Nix and the Broncos kept the good times going on offence in a 44-24 triumph over Dallas. Nix threw for four touchdowns, RJ Harvey accounted for three total scores, and Denver scored on five of its first eight possessions to win easily.
The Texans posted perhaps their best result of the season’s first half, a 26-15 win over the San Francisco 49ers. CJ Stroud threw for a season-high 318 yards and two touchdowns, Woody Marks had 111 total yards rushing and receiving, and the Texans’ defence corralled Christian McCaffrey as Houston won for the third time in four games.
Two of the league’s best defenses take center stage in Houston on Sunday, although the Broncos could be without reigning Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Denver is 3-5 against the spread on the odds board, including 1-3 ATS on the road. The Broncos have played to the under three times in four games away from home.
Houston is 2-1 against the spread at home. The Texans have played to the under in all three games at NRG Stadium this season.
Denver Broncos
There was no need for a miraculous comeback this week against the Jekyll-and-Hyde Cowboys. Harvey and J.K. Dobbins (15 carries, 111 yards) got the job done on the ground, and Troy Franklin (six catches, 89 yards) had two touchdown catches as Nix threw for 247 yards.
But the potential loss of Surtain II lingers over everything right now. Denver is fifth in both yards (281.4 ypg) and points (18.9 ppg) allowed, and Surtain II brings stability to all three levels of the defence. His absence would be welcomed by Stroud and the Texans.
Houston Texans
So that’s what it looks like when the Texans play reasonably well in the trenches and give Stroud the necessary time to make decisions. Houston’s offensive line was atrocious last year and got worse during the offseason. Stroud has rarely had a clean pocket as a result.
Sunday’s performance against the 49ers would be a welcome harbinger of things to come for Houston.
Coach DeMeco Ryans’ defence is first in yards (266.9 ypg) and points (14.7 ppg) allowed, and it held McCaffrey to 68 total yards a week after he obliterated the Atlanta Falcons for 201.
It was a rough 0-3 start for Houston, but a third consecutive AFC South title is still very much in reach.
NFL Prediction: Who Will Win Broncos vs. Texans?
All four Denver road games, including a dumpster fire of a 13-11 victory over the New York Jets in London, have been decided by four points or less. In fact, the Broncos are just a handful of points away from being undefeated.
The Texans are improving, but they are not at Denver’s level yet. Look for Nix and the Broncos to cover the 1.5-point spread as slight favourites with a 21-17 victory in Houston on Sunday.
DEN
HOU