Denver Broncos: AFC West week nine predictions
Texans @ Broncos
Graham Tiedtke
Boy oh boy…
This is going to be one interesting game and not only because of Houston’s quarterback DeShaun Watson. Yes, Watson is a quarterback that is hard to tackle due to his mobility.
But the thing is, the Texans just traded for a familiar face to Broncos Country on Tuesday when they acquired wide receiver Demaryius Thomas from Denver.
The trade of Thomas was inevitable. It would have been a surprise if it didn’t happen. The question that remained before Denver pulled the trigger was, “What team are they sending him to?”
Now Houston has DeAndre Hopkins and Thomas for Watson. So, basically two No. 1 receivers. That has the potential to be scary.
On Denver’s offense, Courtland Sutton gets promoted to #2 while Emmanuel Sanders become Case Keenum’s #1 receiver—Sanders was already Keenum’s go-to guy prior to Thomas being shipped out.
If the Broncos are able to contain Watson and hold him to minimal rushing yards, while sacking him multiple times, this should be a nice win for Denver.
Broncos 27, Texans 17
Baylor Bradac
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The (3-5) Denver Broncos will play host to the (5-3) Houston Texans.
The Texans are riding a four-game win streak and have a recent offensive acquisition in receiver Demaryius Thomas. If there is a game for the Broncos to win to salvage anything from this season, this is it.
It’s a home game against a team that still has to prove itself this year. Both teams are ranked top 10 in the league in overall offense and both have top five rushing attacks.
The final outcome will come down to the coaching and the defense.
For the Broncos, they need to worry about running the ball well and sticking with it. The coaching needs to game plan to Case Keenum’s strengths in the deep ball and play action.
The defense needs to bend but not break. The corners have to be on point, because both DeAndre Hopkins and DT will be on the field, and those are no receivers to blink at.
The Texans need to get out early to force the Broncos to throw the ball and wait for the mistakes to happen. The Broncos will beat themselves if they are forced to play from behind the whole game.
Next. NFL week 9 picks, preview, fantasy advice. dark
It feels good to say this: I’m taking Denver in this one.
Broncos 31, Texans 24