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.

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

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

The Denver Broncos already face a tough battle against the Houston Texans on Sunday, and the degree of difficulty got a little harder today when Denver learned that receivers Nico Collins and Christian Kirk will return from injuries,

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.

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

Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, FOX. BetMGM line: Texans by 1 ½. Against the spread: Broncos 3-4-1, Texans 3-4. Series record: Broncos lead 6-4. Last meeting: Texans beat Broncos 22-17 on Dec. 3, 2023, in Houston.

Houston Texans Injury Report Update: FB Jakob Johnson (hamstring) has been downgraded to out for Week 9 against the Denver Broncos. Johnson, the Texans' fullback/tight end signed onto the active roster from the practice squad earlier this season, has been out of the fold for the past four games with a hamstring injury.