Texans at Broncos: Preview, Predictions, and More

Houston Texans vs Denver Broncos

This game has been circled on the calendar ever since quarterback Brock Osweiler left the Denver Broncos to sign with the Houston Texans. It looked at first like the Broncos would struggle to replace the retired Peyton Manning after his heir apparent left.

Originally it appeared Mark Sanchez would fill in until rookie Paxton Lynch was ready. Then out of nowhere, Trevor Siemian became the guy and The Sanchize was cut. Their new starter, Siemian has guided the Broncos to a 4-2 start (although one of those losses came with Lynch starting as Siemian had a shoulder injury).

His play has been up-and-down, but the results have been favorable. Speaking of up-and-down play, that could also describe Osweiler.

The Texans are also 4-2, but they have looked rough at times. Perhaps they can ride the momentum of an amazing comeback win on Sunday Night Football as they again have a huge game in the bright lights, this time on Monday night.

Houston Keys To Victory

A Confident Osweiler – Osweiler was 7-of-17 passing in the first half, but he went bananas in the fourth quarter whie the team erased a 14-point deficit. The difference? Osweiler held the ball too long and didn’t trust his eyes in the first 30 minutes. With the game coming to a close he was quick with his decisions and carved the Colts apart. He needs to be more like that fourth-quarter Brock we saw for them to have a chance.

Pressure Siemian – Make no mistake, Osweiler is a more talented player than Siemian. Still, if Houston doesn’t generate pressure, the final stats won’t show that. Jadeveon Clowney and Whitney Mercilus need to step up in J.J. Watt’s absence for Houston to be able to get their first road win of the season.