Some people like fireworks. They want shootouts and sloppy defense. They want 50+ point over/unders. They want chaos and broken plays. Those folks will certainly enjoy the Arizona Cardinals vs. Dallas Cowboys game on Monday Night Football.

Others love watching good defense. Gritty, in your face football. The chess match that comes with a defensive battle. If you’re that kind of die-hard football fan, then this Denver Broncos vs. Houston Texans game is for you. As that’s what we are looking at this week. And those games, though tough to handicap, can present plenty of opportunities for predictions picks, and bets. 

You’re welcome to have other Broncos vs. Texans picks as well and still claim the $150 DraftKings Sportsbook welcome offer that we’ve also shared below!

 

 

 

Broncos vs. Texans Predictions For Sunday 1:00 PM ET, NFL Week 9

These teams did not play last year, but they did play in the two years prior. The Texans won in 2023 with the Broncos winning in 2022. Both games were before the Bo Nix era, however, so don’t necessarily have much bearing on how we view this week’s matchup.

The Broncos are currently in first place in the AFC West with a 6-2 record. They have also won four straight games now coming into this week against the Giants, Jets, Eagles, and Bengals. The Texans are 3-4 and likely playing for a Wild Card spot as the Colts are running away with the AFC South. The Texans have won three of their last four including wins against the 49ers and Ravens, but they did fall to the Seahawks. 

Denver Broncos: Life Without Pat Surtain

It’s obviously never good to lose your top corner. But it’s even worse when that’s the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year. And it certainly doesn’t help that the opposing team has a star wide receiver returning this week in Nico Collins. The Broncos defense is still a well-rounded unit, but they certainly are a better team with Patrick Surtain out there.

On offense, the Broncos have been giving different guys a shot to see who can emerge alongside Courtland Sutton as a difference maker. Troy Franklin has been the most consistent - he’ll have to be this week with Marvin Mims out with a concussion. New additions Evan Engram and RJ Harvey have struggled to carve out a full-time role, while JK Dobbins has been the biggest contributor after Sutton. The dual-threat Nix has picked things up himself lately with four combined touchdowns in each of the last two weeks. 

Houston Texans: Weapon Injury Carousel

There have been very few weeks where the Texans have had all their weapons. Joe Mixon has missed the entire season thus far with a mysterious foot injury. Christian Kirk has had two different stints of missing time. Nico Collins was out with a concussion. Now, Dalton Schultz is showing up on the injury report. That’s seen Xavier Hutchinson as well as their two rookie wide receivers, Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, thrust into the spotlight at times. 

On defense, the Texans have been flat-out good. They are highly regarded wherever you look, whether it’s FTN Fantasy’s DVOA stat of Pro Football Focus’s grades. They have been especially good in coverage where they are top-five in pass yards allowed per game and the top-ranked team based on the aforementioned DVOA stat.

 

 

 

Broncos vs. Texans Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines

You can see the previously mentioned double-digit point spread and each of the standard Broncos vs. Texans odds at DraftKings Sportsbook below:

 

 

 

Broncos vs. Texans: Ka’imi Fairbairn Over 1.5 Field Goals (-147 at DraftKings Sportsbook)

This game is a tough one to handicap. Betting the under on the point total feels like the smart play. But they have set it so low that we really don’t want to go there. The narrative of this game and the information we have at hand points at one rock solid pick though - betting on Ka’imi Fairbairn to kick some field goals.

At surface value, Fairbairn has hit multiple field goals in every game except one - the Jaguars game in Week 3. They attempted two, but he missed one - something he hasn’t done with his last three games and last bnine kicks. 

When you peel back the numbers even more, you’ll see that Fairbairn has been absolute nails at home and whenever their is the retractable roof like they have. 88.3% kick rate at home and 89.8% anywhere with the retractable roof. With both teams having stout “bend-don’t-break defenses”, these teams will likely be taking points wherever they can get them. Yes the line is juiced a bit, but it feels like a slam dunk so just put a couple units on it - or throw it in a parlay. 

 

 

 

Broncos vs. Texans Injury Report & Latest News

Finally, let’s take a quick look at the projected starting lineups for both teams heading into tonight’s matchup:

 

Denver Broncos:

 

Houston Texans:

 

 

 

How To Bet On Broncos vs. Texans At DraftKings Sportsbook & Claim Your $150 Bonus

There is a unique DraftKings sign up bonus that you can snag alongside our Broncos vs. Texans predictions, and it’s perfect for fans of these two teams:

  1. Sign up here for a new DK account
  2. Make an initial deposit of $5 or more
  3. Wager at least $5 on any sporting event

After that, $150 in bonus bets will be awarded either guaranteed or as long as that qualifying wager wins. For new users in AZ, CO, IL, IN, MA, NC, OH, PA and WY, they’re guaranteed, which is why it’s perfect for Broncos and Texans fans.

As for new users in DC, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, TN, VA and VT, $150 in bonus bets are credited as long as your $5+ bet wins. Whether you are betting the Broncos or the Texans, DraftKings has something for everyone. Either way, no DraftKings promo code is needed when you click here to join!