The Denver Broncos (6-2) will face the Houston Texans (3-4) in an intriguing road game in Week 9. Despite the team's records, the Broncos are currently a 1.5-point underdog in this game.
The Texans are coming off a 26-15 victory over the San Francisco 49ers last week, one that has a chance to turn the team's season around. C.J. Stroud had his best game of the season, throwing for 318 yards. Now, he has a chance to continue that momentum against a Denver defense that will be without Pat Surtain II.
Friday's #DENvsHOU injury report:
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— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 31, 2025
As for the Texans, they will come into the game fairly healthy and wide receiver Nico Collins, who missed last week's game, will be back in the lineup this week. With Surtain out, that could be huge for Houston.
Denver Broncos vs. Houston Texans Week 9 expert picks
Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: Texans 20, Broncos 17
"Bo Nix is on an absolute heater after ripping through the defenses of the Cowboys and Giants at home. But facing the Texans' nasty group with Will Anderson Jr. Danielle Hunter and others on the road is a different story for the second-year QB who struggles away from Denver. Third-year QB C.J. Stroud is starting to play much better for Houston, connecting much better with his remixed younger weapons".
Bill Bender, The Sporting News: Broncos 32, Texans 29
"This is the toughest game to pick this week. Denver is on a five-game winning streak and has the look of a true Super Bowl contender. Houston is 2-1 S/U and has allowed 15 points per game in that situation. He (Stroud) took no sacks against San Francisco and finished with 318 passing yards. The Texans are 3-10 S/U when Stroud takes four sacks or more."
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Texans 23, Broncos 20
"This is a game pitting two good defenses against two offenses that seem to be coming to life. The Broncos blew out Dallas last week as Bo Nix played well, while the Texans beat up on the 49ers as C.J. Stroud played well. I see the Texans keeping this close and winning it late when they get a takeaway to end a Broncos drive."
Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Texans 23, Broncos 20
"The Texans may be just 3-4 overall, but they are 2-1 at home. C.J. Stroud and Houston will end Denver's 5-game win streak in a thriller."
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