Denver Broncos (6-5) vs. Houston Texans (6-5)
Denver Broncos vs. Houston Texans 12/3/23 – The 6-5 Denver Broncos take on the 6-5 Houston Texans in a critical AFC matchup with major playoff implications. This premium game insight pits two evenly-matched teams fighting for a wild card spot. The Broncos boast a potent rushing attack led by Javonte Williams, but have struggled with consistency in the passing game. Meanwhile, the Texans feature an elite passing offense with quarterback C.J. Stroud, but have just an average ground game. This contrast in styles makes for an intriguing matchup.
Denver’s offense goes as Javonte Williams goes. Despite missing three games, Williams has been productive when healthy, averaging 52.6 rushing yards per contest. With 4.73 yards per carry, he is efficient and has big play potential. However, Russell Wilson and the passing game have left much to be desired. Wilson is completing just 69% of his passes for 206.5 yards per game – not good enough in today’s NFL. His top target Courtland Sutton has been a bright spot, hauling in 8 touchdowns. But the vertical passing game has been sorely lacking.
The Texans have the opposite profile – an explosive passing offense but mediocre rushing attack. C.J. Stroud is one of the NFL’s top young quarterbacks, averaging 296 passing yards per game with 17 touchdowns. He spreads the ball around, but top receiver Nico Collins has been a stud. Collins averages over 16 yards per catch and 77 receiving yards per game. However, lead back Devin Singletary has managed just 47 rushing yards per contest with 2 total touchdowns. The Texans will need to run the ball effectively to win.
Denver Broncos vs. Houston Texans Game Info
| When: | Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 1:00 PM ET |
| Where: | NRG Stadium |
| TV: | CBS |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Russell Wilson QB vs. C.J. Stroud QB
Russell Wilson is having a down year by his standards, but is still a dangerous quarterback who can take over games with his arm and legs. However, he has lacked the explosive plays in the passing game and will need to challenge the Texans secondary.
C.J. Stroud remains inconsistent but is one of the most gifted young signal callers. He should shred the Broncos’ vulnerable pass defense as long as he avoids costly turnovers. The Broncos must get pressure on Stroud and force mistakes.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Houston Texans -150, Total Odds: 43.5
Despite identical records, the Texans are favored by 3.5 points at home. This indicates the oddsmakers see Houston as the superior team, likely due to their explosive passing offense led by Stroud. However, expect a close game that could come down to the wire. The total is set at just 43.5, so points may be at a premium.
Denver Broncos Betting Trends
The Broncos have excelled against the spread lately, covering in 4 of their last 5 contests. They have also gone under in 5 of 6 games, indicative of their struggling offense. Yet they have won 5 straight games outright. Backing Denver ATS and with the under seems prudent based on trends.
Houston Texans Betting Trends
Meanwhile, Houston has struggled ATS, failing to cover in 4 of their last 5 matchups. However, their games have still gone under in 6 of 8, likely due to Stroud’s inconsistency. The Texans are 6-3 straight up in their last 9, so they cannot be counted out. Still, the trends point towards taking Denver ATS and the under.
Denver Broncos vs. Houston Texans 12/3/23 Betting Picks
This game will likely come down to the Broncos’ rushing attack versus the Texans’ passing game. If Denver can run the ball effectively and control time of possession, they have a chance to cover the 3.5 point spread. The under also seems like a strong play given both defenses are better than the offenses. In the end, I’ll take the Broncos against the spread while Houston squeaks by with a close win behind a big game from C.J. Stroud. Trust the NFL free odds analysis and take Denver +3.5 and the under 43.5.
Free Pick and Prediction: Houston Texans 23, Denver Broncos 20