Houston Texans End Denver Broncos' Five-Game Win Streak with 22-17 Victory

During a Week 13 contest, the Houston Texans will attempt to end the Denver Broncos' five-game winning streak Sunday at NRG Stadium.

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans will conclude their three-game homestand Sunday afternoon during an AFC contest against the Denver Broncos at NRG Stadium. The Texans will attempt to bounce back from a disappointing defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars while the Broncos seek their sixth consecutive win.

After the Broncos began the 2023 season with a 1-5 record, Coach DeMeco Ryans has been impressed by Denver's midseason turnaround.

“The biggest thing that I’ve seen from the Broncos and how they’ve turned things around is how their defense is attacking the football,” Ryans said. “When you take the ball away as many times as they have … you set the offense up, you set the team up for success. And that’s where it starts with these guys.”

One of the most significant factors in Denver's midseason improvements has been its defense. Over the previous four games, the Broncos have forced 15 turnovers. Protecting the ball against the Broncos will be a major point of emphasis for rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud and the Texans.

"They’re playing really clean football," Stroud said. "There’s not many freebies they give out, and when they get the opportunity, they’re making plays on the ball. They’re making a lot of plays on the ball. 

"I feel like they’ve got far less – their catch percentage right now is very high, so we’ve got to make sure that we’re aggressive when the ball is in the air, we’ve got to be throwing it to the right spot, and then in the run game, we’ve got to make sure that we’re protecting it because they’re thriving on turnovers and getting off the field on third-down right now."

Texans' C.J. Stroud attempts a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars inside NRG Stadium / © Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

WHAT: Denver Broncos (6-5, 2-2 Road) at Houston Texans (6-5, 4-2 Home)

WHERE: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX (71,995)

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, 12 p.m. CT

TELEVISION: CBS / FuboTV (try it free)

RADIO: Sports Radio 610 (KILT-AM) | 100.3 The Bull

Betting via SI SportsBook

SPREAD: Texans -3.5

TOTAL: 47.5

MONEYLINE: Broncos +138, Texans -167

Live game updates will appear here after kickoff.

1st Quarter:

The Texans received the ball first. Three and out for the Texans. 

Punt

Three and out for the Broncos.

Punt

Will Anderson Jr. blocked Riley Dixon's punt, which led to the Texans beginning their second offensive drive on the Broncos' 47-yard line. Stroud connected with tight end Brevin Jordan for a 27-yard gain. After three consecutive subpar plays, Matt Ammendola drills a 29-yard field goal.

Texans 3, Broncos 0

Another three-and-out for the Texans' defense. Their defensive drive ended with Will Anderson Jr. recording a sack on Russell Wilson.

Punt

The Texans begin their next offensive drive with Stroud finding wide receiver Nico Collins for a 52-yard gain, Houston's third-biggest play of the season. Three consecutive subpar plays led to 4th-and-2, which resulted in a personal foul on Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton. The automatic first down led to a three-yard touchdown by Dameon Pierce. Rookie wide receiver Tank Dell was injured on the play.

Texans 10, Broncos 0

Outside of giving up a 12-yard run to running back Javonte Williams, another great defensive stop for the Texans. 

Punt

End of 1st

2nd Quarter:

The Texans were able to extend their lead to 13 following a 38-yard field goal made by Ammendola. Houston recorded 79 yards in eight plays. 

Texans 13, Broncos 0

The Broncos recorded 24 yards in five plays. 

Punt

The Texans recorded 46 yards in six plays. The best play of the drive came when Stroud connected with Jordan for 24 yards.

Punt

The Broncos recorded 56 yards in 13 plays. Kicker Wil Lutz connected on a 34-yard field goal for Denver's first points of the game.

Texans 13, Broncos 3

Halftime

3rd quarter

Three and out for the Broncos

punt

The Texans recorded 45 yards in eight plays. The drive ended with another field goal made by Ammendola. 

Texans 16, Broncos 3

Three and out for the Broncos.

Punt

Three and out for the Texans. 

Punt

The Broncos had their most successful drive, recording 53 yards in five plays. Quarterback Russell Wilson connected with wide receiver Courtland Sutton for a 45-yard touchdown.

Texans 16, Broncos 10

Eight yards in 10 plays. 

Punt

On the Broncos' latest drive, cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. recorded his third interception of the season amid Wilson's pass attempt to Sutton.

Turnover

End of 3rd

4th Quarter

The Texans capitalized on Stingley's interception with a three-yard touchdown pass between Stroud and Collins.

Texans 22, Broncos 10

The Texans had arguably their worst defensive drive after giving up 60 yards in six plays. The Broncos capitalized on the Texans' mishaps by connecting on a one-yard touchdown by Wilson.

Texans 22, Broncos 17

Three and out for the Texans.

Punt

On the Texans' next defensive drive, Stingley recorded his second interception of the day.

Turnover

The Texans were unable to capitalize on Stingley's pick, which resulted in 33 yards in nine plays.

Punt

The Broncos recorded 61 yards in 15 plays. With Denver standing on the Texans' eight-yard line with 20 seconds left, safety Jimmie Ward recorded the game-winning interception. 

Texans 22, Broncos 17

End of Game