Even without Patrick Surtain II, the Denver Broncos' defense still has plenty of pieces to be a threat to the Houston Texans, and they proved that by essentially shutting down the Dallas Cowboys, who have been a top-three offense in the NFL.

Preview the Week 9 matchup between the Houston Texans and Denver Broncos with predictions, odds, over/under, spread, betting lines and more.

Two of the NFL's best defenses take center stage Sunday when the Texans host the Broncos in Week 9 action.

If Houston wants to keep its playoff push going, the Texans will need to stop Denver's running game and protect C.J. Stroud

The Denver Broncos (6-2) visit the Houston Texans (3-4) at NRG Stadium in Houston for a Week 9 showdown, and USA TODAY's panel of NFL experts have locked in their picks and predictions for the action. Here's everything you need to know before kickoff on Sunday, November 2, including live updated odds and injury report news.

Down in Dove Valley, newly minted Broncos left guard Alex Palczewski’s locker sits directly across from Garett Bolles. And for a 26-year-old who profiles as a tackle and says his last time playing on the left side of the O-line was the “Obama administration,” there may not be a better mentor in the NFL than the 33-year-old Bolles.

Aug 23, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton talks to Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) before a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images / Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

The Texans expect two wideouts to return vs. the Broncos as Nico Collins is out of concussion protocol and Christian Kirk has recovered from a hamstring injury.