Denver Broncos at Houston Texans: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 13 game
Early in the NFL season, not many people expected the Denver Broncos (6-5) and the Houston Texans (6-5) to be competing for a playoff spot, but the surprising teams will have a chance to boost their hopes against each other in Week 13.
The longest winning streak in the AFC belongs to the Broncos, who rattled off their fifth straight win against an injury-riddled Cleveland Browns team. The defense forced three takeaways and never trailed in the game, and Russell Wilson's group continues to make strides.
Houston saw its three-game winning streak come to an end in a close loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. While the Texans weren't able to grasp first place in the AFC South, they still remain in the hunt for the playoffs and can continue to make the climb against a red-hot Broncos team.
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Texans vs. Broncos odds, moneyline, over/under
The Texans are favorites to defeat the Broncos, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023, including the new ESPN BET app.
Spread: Texans (-3)
Moneyline: Texans (-165); Broncos (+140)
Over/under: 47.5
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NFL Week 13 odds, predictions and picks
Cowboys vs. Seahawks | Patriots vs. Chargers | Saints vs. Lions | Jets vs. Falcons | Steelers vs. Cardinals | Titans vs. Colts | Commanders vs. Dolphins | Texans vs. Broncos | Buccaneers vs. Panthers | Eagles vs. 49ers | Rams vs. Browns | Packers vs. Chiefs | Jaguars vs. Bengals
Lorenzo Reyes: Texans 21, Broncos 20
I’m really tempted to take the Broncos on the moneyline here but I think the safe play is to take the points. Denver has forced 16 turnovers during its five-game winning streak and the offense is protecting the ball. While the Texans have a superb downfield passing game, the Bronco secondary makes moving the ball a tougher proposition.
Tyler Dragon: Texans 26, Broncos 20
Sean Payton’s coached the Broncos to five straight wins. Russell Wilson is playing turnover-free football and managing games well. Wilson doesn’t have an interception during Denver’s five-game hot streak. But Houston is at home and C.J. Stroud has been stellar in his rookie campaign. Stroud has the second-most passing yards by a player in his first 11 career games in NFL history.
Safid Deen: Texans 27, Broncos 17
The Broncos' defense has been instrumental in their five-game winning streak, while their offense is still finding its way. But they won’t be able to slow down C.J. Stroud and the Texans, whose rebuild is in better shape all-around.
Victoria Hernandez: Texans 24, Broncos 20
The Broncos probably have the most momentum in the league right now, but the Texans are hungry to rebound after barely losing a divisional game to the Jaguars. NRG Stadium is gaining a reputation as a tough road environment as the Houston fanbase rallies around rookie sensation Stroud and Russell Wilson won’t be able to keep up.
Jordan Mendoza: Texans 29, Broncos 24
This game will pit one of the best offenses in the league against a defense that has drastically improved from the first month of the season. Denver is hot, but I'm not sure if the offense can match what Stroud and Co. can do. Houston is able to put the pressure on the Broncos' defense and end Denver's winning streak.
You can view the full list of USA TODAY's NFL expert predictions here.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Denver Broncos at Houston Texans: Game predictions, picks, odds
