Broncos at Texans: Week 13 Bold Predictions & Picks
It's not just that the Denver Broncos are riding a five-game winning streak; it's the quality of vanquished opponents that lie in the wake of it. The Broncos aren't just finding ways to defeat middling foes.
The Broncos are beating some of the NFL's best and hottest teams. But after digging a 1-5 hole to open the season, there's no rest for the weary.
If the Broncos want to maintain playoff relevancy down the stretch, and make every December game count, they'll have to begin this three-game road trip with a victory. The Houston Texans won't make it easy on them.
Will the Broncos make it six straight? Let's go around the Mile High Huddle table to see how our staff envisions Week 13 shaking out for Denver.
James Campbell (@JamesC_MHH) 4-7: The Broncos have been rolling in the past few weeks, albeit with a recipe that may not be sustainable. Under DeMeco Ryans, the Texans have a culture; rookie phenoms C.J. Stroud and pass rusher Will Anderson are already among the NFL's elite at their positions. This figures to be a fascinating battle, but Houston prevails in its home confines.
Pick: Texans 24, Broncos 21
Keith Cummings (@KeithC_NFL) 6-5: These coming three road games will ultimately decide the Broncos' playoff destiny. Last week's big win served notice that Sean Payton's team is indeed coming, so it's no secret how Vance Joseph's attacking defense will approach this one in Houston. Denver will manifest four sacks on Stroud, with two takeaways materializng, turnovers which seal Stroud's losing fate.
Pick: Broncos 24, Texans 17
Carl Dumler (@CarlDumlerMHH) 6-5: This might be the biggest game left on the schedule for both the Texans and the Broncos as they fight for those last remaining playoff spots. The added pressure on a rookie head coach and quarterback could force the Texans into a couple of mistakes, giving the Broncos those extra chances they have been feeding on lately. Russell Wilson has his best day of the season throwing the football, and the Broncos win this one with a big offensive day.
Pick: Broncos 27, Texans 20
Mike Evans (@MHHEvans) 6-5: Sunday's contest is more than just a regular season game; it's a critical juncture in the playoff hunt where the winner could see a significant shift in the balance of power in their favor. Look for the Broncos to attack the interior of the Texans' rush defense to set up play-action passes. The daunting task of curbing the Stroud's impact falls on the Broncos' defense. Houston's rookie QB and his skilled receivers will likely be the tipping point of the contest.
Pick: Broncos 24, Texans 21
Thomas Hall (@ThomasHallNFL) 6-5: It was easy to bet against the Broncos after the first six weeks, but now it is foolish to do so. They're making a playoff push, and a win against the Texans will put the Broncos in control of their playoff fate. Even on the road, the Broncos' offense will come alive.
Pick: Broncos 31, Texans 20
Chad Jensen (@ChadNJensen) 7-4: If there ever was a game for the Broncos' aerial attack to finally click, it's this one against Houston's 27th-rank passing defense. I'm optimistic that Payton recognizes his opportunity and Wilson capitalizes. Stroud will get his licks in, but the Broncos' predatory defense finds a way to feast on the rookie as the turnovers roll.
Pick: Broncos 27, Texans 23
Zack Kelberman (@KelbermanNFL) 5-6: To be clear, this is not a game I expect the Broncos to get blown out or do the blowing out. It'll be a tightly-contested battle deep into the fourth quarter, where one hiccup could mean the difference between win and loss. Fortunately, Denver has shown an insane ability to force its opposition into mistakes — and Sunday shouldn't be any different. Wil Lutz, for the win. Again.
Pick: Broncos 26, Texans 23
Nick Kendell (@NickKendellMHH) 6-5: Can the Broncos' takeaway streak continue? The Broncos head to Houston in a potential battle for a Wildcard spot. Denver must limit explosive plays by Houston's passing offense. Will Payton put more on Wilson's plate in the passing game to account for the Texans' poor passing defense, in comparison to their run defense? Wilson will need to keep up with Stroud to win.
Pick: Broncos 27, Texans 20
Bob Morris (@BobMorrisSports) 4-7: This week's game will be key to whether or not the Broncos will make the playoffs. The Texans are good on offense, but the defense (particularly the pass defense) and special teams are vulnerable. This might be the game in which Wilson is the main reason for the win. While I don't know how long the Broncos can keep the win streak going, I'm not betting against them now.
Pick: Broncos 23, Texans 20
Luke Patterson (@LukePattersonLP) 6-5: The Broncos defense has compiled 15 takeaways since Week 8 and should catch Stroud slipping. The rookie first-rounder has played phenomenally, already shattering multiple NFL single-season records. Expect Denver to get at least a forced fumble or interception from Stroud, while Wilson and company continue to cook in the red zone (17 TDs, 0 INTs). Six straight for the good guys.
Pick: Broncos 27, Texans 19
Lance Sanderson (@SandersonMHH) 6-5: A brutal road stretch begins with a gritty and physical Texans team that boasts one of the more dynamic passing attacks in the league. Denver's defense is going to need to play tight man coverage, as Stroud has excelled against zone. Offensively, Denver has an opportunity to get the passing game going this week, and I'm predicting a huge game from Wilson.
Pick: Broncos 31, Texans 23
Erick Trickel (@ErickTrickel) 5-6: This is going to be a tough one because of how explosive the Texans' offense is, and how much Denver has struggled cutting down explosive plays. Wilson and the passing offense should be able to make plays through the air, but the Broncos can't abandon the run and allow Will Anderson to tee off on the QB, with him facing Mike McGlinchey for most of the game. Being on the road, this one feels like a game where the defensive turnover magic isn't quite there for the Broncos, and their streak comes to an end, but Wilson may have enough magic left to pull it out.
Pick: Texans 24, Broncos 20
Dylan Von Arx (@arx_d) 6-5: Sunday will be one of the more difficult games in the final push for the playoffs. Denver has been money in taking away the football, and if that trend continues this week against Stroud, that improbable winning streak will be extended. Look out for the run game on both sides of the ball to be the difference maker.
Pick: Broncos 28, Texans 21
Ron White (@RonWhiteNFL) 6-5: The upcoming matchup on Sunday against the Texans is essentially a playoff game for both teams. Although Stroud is having an unbelievable rookie season, he will be tested against the Broncos, who lead the NFL in takeaways. While the defense continues to turn things around, the offense of the Broncos will still emphasize the ground game and moments of magic from Wilson, resulting in a Denver victory.
Pick: Broncos 28, Texans 23
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