The Broncos are on a five-game winning streak since starting the season with a 1-5 record. Can they keep the momentum rolling? Stick here for live updates and analysis as Denver takes on the Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston.
Live updates
FINAL | Texans 22, Broncos 17
It seemed fitting for The Undertaker’s gong to play in NRG Stadium because for the Broncos, the streak is over.
Denver fell short on a late comeback attempt, losing to the Texans, 22-17, on Sunday. Denver falls to 6-6 on the season and had its five-game winning streak snapped.
Full game story coming soon.
More Broncos coverage
- Broncos report card: As turnover trend reverses, Sean Payton’s offense takes too long to rev to life in last-second loss at Houston.
- Heroes and Zeros from Broncos’ loss to Texans: Alex Singleton’s costly penalty proves critical in close game.
- Broncos four downs: Russell Wilson’s three interceptions end Team Takeaway’s five-game win streak.
Fourth-quarter updates
Ballgame (2:10 p.m.): Wilson’s pass to Lucas Krull is intercepted in the end zone. Texans win. — Ryan McFadden
I mean, all credit to Russell Wilson for even being able to get that throw off. Valiant effort by the Broncos. Just short in Houston. — Matt Schubert
Another fourth-down conversion (2:08 p.m.): Wilson keeps the ball and gets the first down. Denver just used its final timeout with 23 seconds left in regulation. — Ryan McFadden
Another timeout (2:05 p.m.): It’s fourth-and-2 and Denver just used its second timeout. — Ryan McFadden
Fourth-down conversion (2:02 p.m.): Javonte Williams fought to get the 1-yard gain. — Joe Nguyen
Just short (1:58 p.m.): Wilson scrambles but is short of a first down. Broncos face a fourth and 1 with two minutes left in the game. — Ryan McFadden
Broncos have fourth-and-1 coming out of the two-minute warning.
With all three timeouts, Broncos will have a little life left if they don’t get this. But, obviously, this is a golden opportunity to convert, take the clock down low and score a go-ahead TD. — Parker Gabriel
Comeback? (1:55 p.m.): Here we go, y’all. Russell Wilson time in Houston. — Parker Gabriel
Courtland. Sutton. (1:54 p.m.): Russell Wilson connects with Courtland Sutton for a 32-yard gain. Denver in Houston territory. — Joe Nguyen
Meinerz injury update (1:53 p.m.): Meinrez is in the game. — Ryan McFadden
Locke’d down (1:51 p.m.): P.J. Locke with back-to-back huge plays. First he stops Dameon Pierce for a 4-yard loss. Then he sacks C.J. Stroud. — Joe Nguyen
PJ Locke has been playing some good football. He stopped Pierce for a 4-yard loss before sacking Stroud. Locke has a sack in back-to-back games. — Ryan McFadden
Meinerz injury update (1:51 p.m.): Meinrez is questionable with a shoulder injury. He is currently sitting on the bench with the rest of the offensive linemen. — Ryan McFadden
C.J. Stroud injury (1:49 p.m.): Stroud rushed into the medical tent. Davis Mills is now in the game at QB. — Ryan McFadden
Russell Wilson picked off (1:45 p.m.): Derek Stingley Jr. picks off Russell Wilson again. — Joe Nguyen
It looked like Wilson had Sutton open down the field but Stingley jumps in front and makes the interception. He has four picks in three games. — Ryan McFadden
Quinn Meinerz injury (1:44 p.m.): Broncos right guard Quinn Meinrez walks off the field with trainers and is going into the medical tent. Luke Wattenberg is in the game at right guard. — Ryan McFadden
That could be a significant blow to a Broncos offensive line that’s already had some pass protection issues today. — Matt Schubert
Three-and-out (1:41 p.m.): Pat Surtain II with the pass deflection to force fourth down. The Broncos ran into the kicker. Houston didn’t take the penalty. — Joe Nguyen
Sacked (1:40 p.m.): Alex Singleton, nearly untouched, sacks C.J. Stroud for a 10-yard loss. — Joe Nguyen
Touchdown, Broncos (1:35 p.m.): Maybe Wilson still has some magic in him. He throws a 41-yard pass to Jeudy then he scored on a QB sneak. Broncos are down 22-17 with 12:04 left in the game. — Ryan McFadden
Jerry. Jeudy. (1:35 p.m.): Russell Wilson connects with Jerry Jeudy on a 41-yard reception. — Joe Nguyen
The play that set up the TD. 🔥
📺: CBS | @jerryjeudy pic.twitter.com/Y1hbYmRcW0
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) December 3, 2023
Brutal hit (1:31 p.m.): Jimmie Ward is dinged with an unnecessary roughness penalty on his hard hit on Russell Wilson. Denver ball its own 47-yard line. — Joe Nguyen
Touchdown, Texans (1:27 p.m.): C.J. Stroud to a wide-open Nico Collins for a 3-yard touchdown. Two-point conversion attempt picked off by Denver. Texans 22, Broncos 10 with 14:16 to go. — Joe Nguyen
Stroud to Nico Collins for a touchdown. Houston’s 2-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful. Denver is down 22-10 with 14:16 left in the game.
Collins has eight catches for 173 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets. — Ryan McFadden
Third-quarter analysis — Texans 16, Broncos 10
Parker Gabriel, beat writer: This game was that close to looking entirely different. But, as Sean Payton says, there’s a fine line between a groove and a rut.
Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Does Wilson have enough magic left in him to keep Denver’s win streak alive?
Mark Kiszla, sports columnist: Did I mention I once gave my Heisman vote to Will Anderson Jr? But the rest of you knuckleheads can keep voting for quarterbacks.
Matt Schubert, sports editor: This is a big next three downs for the Broncos. They absolutely need to hold the Texans to a field goal here. Two touchdowns feels like too much to ask from this Denver offense today.
Third-quarter updates
… Turnover (1:21 p.m.): Russell Wilson is picked off by Derek Stingley Jr. — Joe Nguyen
And now we have a Russell Wilson interception and it’s Houston ball in Broncos territory. — Matt Schubert
No turnover (1:20 p.m.): Broncos have now forced two fumbles and recovered neither of them. The turnover luck of the last four games has not been with Denver so far. — Matt Schubert
Milestone (1:19 p.m.): Per the Broncos, Russell Wilson’s touchdown pass moves him past Dan Marino into second for most touchdown by a quarterback through their first 12 seasons with 329. Who’s No. 1? Peyton Manning at 366. — Joe Nguyen
With that TD pass, @DangeRussWilson has passed QB Dan Marino for the second-most TD passes in a player's first 12 seasons in NFL history. pic.twitter.com/yUicE2ya6Z
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) December 3, 2023
Sacked (1:18 p.m.): Zack Allen and Baron Browning take down C.J. Stroud to force third-and-13. — Joe Nguyen
Courtland. Sutton. (1:11 p.m.): Russell Wilson to Courtland Sutton for the 45-yard touchdown with this week’s highlight of the day. Extra point good. Texans 16, Broncos 10 with 4:47 to go. — Joe Nguyen
WHAT. A. CATCH.
📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/xzJ6Ugd3Lp
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) December 3, 2023
And Courtland Sutton has completely redeemed himself for that first-quarter drop. What a catch by Sutton, who now only catches TD passes. — Matt Schubert
Courtland Sutton just gave the Broncos some life. His 45-yard touchdown catch cuts the deficit to 16-10. — Ryan McFadden
Russell Wilson had 54 yards passing on his first 13 attempts. 45 and a TD on his 14th, to Courtland Sutton. — Parker Gabriel
Now or never (1:08 p.m.): The Broncos and Texans are trading punts. At some point, Denver needs to start cashing in or this thing won’t be a game come the fourth quarter. — Matt Schubert
I feel like the Broncos need to score a touchdown on this drive or this game will be over. — Ryan McFadden
Welp (1 p.m.): Desmond King forces the fumble and recovers it for a scoop and run into the end zone. That said. It was ruled a stop on forward progress. Denver gets bailed out with the call. — Joe Nguyen
Three more (12:54 p.m.): Matt Ammendola with the 38-yard field goal for Houston. Texans 16, Broncos 3 with 8:51 to go in the third quarter. — Joe Nguyen
Another third down stop for the Broncos, but the Texans convert their third field goal of the game to take a 16-3 lead. — Ryan McFadden
Jonathan Harris (12:53 p.m.): Nice consecutive plays by Broncos lineman Jonathan Harris. He stopped Dameon Harris’ run and then sacked C.J. Stroud. — Joe Nguyen
Stroud to Collins. Again. (12:51 p.m.): And that’s a 39-yard gain for the combo again. — Joe Nguyen
Offensive woes (12:48 p.m.): Wilson is sacked twice on the first drive of the third quarter. Anderson is doing whatever he wants to Denver’s offense. — Ryan McFadden
A step back for the Broncos offensive line today following last week’s work against the Browns. — Matt Schubert
Will Anderson (12:45 p.m.): The Texans defensive end with a sack on Russell Wilson. He’s having a huge game, but it’s not hard to get to the QB if no one’s blocking you. — Joe Nguyen
Halftime analysis — Texans 13, Broncos 3
Parker Gabriel, beat writer: The Broncos have opened the second half with the ball nine times this year and scored zero points.
Seven punts (and one total first down), a missed FG and a blocked FG.
Two net yards on 10 plays in three tries since the bye week.
They very much need the 10th try to be the charm.
Ryan McFadden, beat writer: If Stroud hit Metchie on that throw, the game would’ve been over in my books.
Mark Kiszla, sports columnist: Broncos down 10 points in game that feels like the margin could be 20 in favor of Texans. So take that as small victory.
Second-quarter updates
Injury update (12:30 p.m.): Broncos tight end Chris Manhertz (shoulder) is questionable to return. — Ryan McFadden
Just missed (12:29 p.m.): Broncos just dodged a bullet on that CJ Stroud overthrow. — Matt Schubert
Third-down woes (12:27 p.m.): Denver is 0-for-6 on third downs. Not the recipe for success. — Ryan McFadden
On the board (12:25 p.m.): Wil Lutz with the 34-yard field goal. Texans 13, Broncos 3 with 1:24 to go. — Joe Nguyen
Chris Manhertz injury (12:22 p.m.): Tight end Chris Manhertz is now heading into the medical tent with an apparent injury. — Ryan McFadden
Trainers are looking at TE Chris Manhertz’s left shoulder/collar bone area. Landed squarely on it. — Parker Gabriel
Marvin Mims Jr. injury (12:19 p.m.): Broncos rookie wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. went into the locker room with the training staff. — Ryan McFadden
Fourth-and-good (12:16 p.m.): Russell Wilson converts on the fourth down, but missed a wide open Jerry Jeudy. — Joe Nguyen
Broncos in Houston territory (12:14 p.m.): It took a while, but Denver’s offense is finally starting to move. — Joe Nguyen
Broncos trying to get back to what has worked for them on offense this season. Wilson throws a pass to Javonte Williams for a 15-yard gain before he rushed for 11 yards on the following play. — Ryan McFadden
Third time’s the charm (12:12 p.m.): After three punts, the Broncos will start on their own 28-yard line. — Joe Nguyen
The time is now (12:06 p.m.): This would really be a good time for the Broncos to score. — Ryan McFadden
Nearly picked (12:05 p.m.): Stroud’s pass on third down was way off and nearly intercepted by P.J. Locke. — Ryan McFadden
Big penalty (12:03 p.m.): A tripping call on the Texans forces Houston to a first-and-25. The next play, Dameon Pierce picks up 22 yards on a run. — Joe Nguyen
Missed call (11:57 a.m.): That’s a bad underthrow by Russell Wilson, but also 100% DPI.
About a 50-yard difference on the no call against Stingley, who was beat, didn’t play the ball and made contact before it arrived. — Parker Gabriel
If we count that obviously low hit on Russell Wilson on the Broncos’ first drive, the officials have missed two very big calls so far in Houston. — Matt Schubert
Rumble (11:56 a.m.): Javonte Williams rumbles down the gut for a 16-yard gain. — Joe Nguyen
Attack (11:55 a.m.): Will Anderson Jr. is unstoppable. — Ryan McFadden
Three more (11:51 a.m.): Matt Ammendola with a 38-yard field goal for Houston. Texans 13, Broncos 0 with 12:54 to go in the half. — Joe Nguyen
Denver manages to hold the Texans to a field goal after the drive started with a 59-yard pass from Stroud. The Broncos need to score and fast. — Ryan McFadden
First-quarter analysis — Texans 10, Broncos 0
Parker Gabriel, beat writer: This isn’t going well for the Broncos.
Ryan McFadden, beat writer: C.J. Stroud is the real deal. He is 5-for-9 with 149 yards. The Broncos avoided a scare with Surtain returning to the field but the defense is giving up too many explosive plays. Offensively, Denver can’t get anything going as the offensive line is having a hard time against Houston’s pass rush. It’s not over but the Broncos are not looking good all-around.
Mark Kiszla, sports columnist: Pat Surtain gets hurt. Alex Singleton gets baited into 4-point penalty. Sean Payton forgets winning streak built on running game. C.J. Stroud on fire. Other than that, a peachy start for your Broncos.
First-quarter updates
Another big play (11:45 a.m.): C.J. Stroud to Nico Collins again. This one was a 59-yard gain. — Joe Nguyen
Injury update (11:43 a.m.): Surtain is back on the field. — Joe Nguyen
Another punt (11:42 a.m.): Broncos punt for the third straight drive. This is not looking good. — Ryan McFadden
The Texans pass rush is getting home an awful lot. This offensive line, the receiver of many plaudits in recent weeks, needs to hold up better. — Matt Schubert
First down (11:40 a.m.): Denver just had its first first down of the game — a 12-yard pass to Lil’Jordan Humphrey. — Joe Nguyen
Extra point good (11:38 a.m.): Texans lead 10-0 with 3:49 left in the first quarter. — Ryan McFadden
Injury update (11:37 a.m.): Dell is now being carted off the field. — Ryan McFadden
Touchdown, Texans (11:34 a.m.): Dameon Pierce runs up the middle for a 3-yard touchdown. Texans 9, Broncos 0 before the extra-point try. Play is stopped with Tank Dell down on the field injured. — Joe Nguyen
Crowd is silent as Houston wide receiver Tank Dell is in the end zone with an injury. — Ryan McFadden
Costly penalty (11:33 a.m.): That is a MASSIVE mistake by Alex Singleton right there. Houston was about to be forced to kick a field goal. Instead, he can’t keep his head and it’s first and goal for the Texans. — Matt Schubert
Surtain still on the sidelines (11:30 a.m.): Surtain is now standing next to Russell Wilson on the sideline with his helmet in his hand. — Ryan McFadden
Surtain update (11:27 a.m.): That’s a scary video for Broncos fans. This does not work without Pat Surtain II holding down one half of the field.
They took away his helmet. I don’t want to be overly dramatic, but the Broncos’ season might hang in the balance over the next 60 minutes. — Matt Schubert
Broadcast showed Pat Surtain got his legs tangled up as he went up the field with Tank Dell. Awkward looking. Obviously the outcome of testing on the All-Pro’s leg will be critical for the Broncos. — Parker Gabriel
Broncos CB Pat Surtain II is questionable with a knee injury. — Ryan McFadden
Huge gain (11:23 a.m.): C.J. Stroud to Nico Collins for a 52-yard play. Pat Surtain II was injured on the play. — Joe Nguyen
Pat Surtain is being tended to on the field. Not a great development after CJ Stroud gashes the Broncos with a deep pass into Denver territory. — Matt Schubert
Will Anderson’s influence (11:22 a.m.): Affected Riley Dixon’s punt, run stop on Javonte Williams, third-down sack of Russell Wilson through Mike McGlinchey. Not bad.
Back-to-back three-and-outs (11:20 a.m.): Two drives for Denver, two straight three-and-outs. — Joe Nguyen
Another three-and-out for the Broncos. Ran the ball with Williams on back-to-back plays before Texans rookie Will Anderson Jr. sacks Wilson for an 11-yard loss. — Ryan McFadden
Not a great start for the Broncos offense. One big drop. A sack on third-and-short. This might be an uphill battle if Team Takeaway doesn’t show up at some point. — Matt Schubert
Red-zone defense (11:17 a.m.): Broncos defensive recipe has been takeaways and being stout in the red zone. Got the latter there after the 22-yard punt from Riley Dixon. — Parker Gabriel
Field goal, Texans (11:15 a.m.): Matt Ammendola connects with the 29-yard field goal. Texans 3, Broncos 0 with 10:11 to go in the first quarter. — Joe Nguyen
Broncos dodged a bullet there with CJ Stroud’s errant pass to Andrew Beck on third-and-1. Might be a touchdown if that’s on the money.
Huge gain (11:12 a.m.): C.J. Stroud connects with Brevin Jordan for a huge 27-yard catch and run. — Joe Nguyen
Broncos’ opening drive (11:10 a.m.): The Broncos tried to test Houston’s defense, which is ranked 27th in passing yards allowed. Wilson took threw a pair of deep balls to Courtland Sutton but both were incomplete. — Ryan McFadden
Orange and blue (11:10 a.m.): Is it just me or are there an obscene amount of Broncos fans at this game in Houston? — Matt Schubert
Tipped punt (11:08 a.m.): Riley Dixon’s punt was slightly tipped. Houston will begin at its own 47-yard line. — Joe Nguyen
Big early hit (11:07 a.m.): That was a terrifying hit that Russell Wilson just took. — Matt Schubert
Three-and-out (11:05 a.m.): Denver’s defense stood strong on the opening drive, allow three plays and 9 yards for the Texans. Marvin Mims Jr. calls the fair catch on the punt. Denver will start on its own 18. — Joe Nguyen
Broncos defense getting a three-and-out to start. Not bad. Not bad at all. Run defense even held up OK. — Matt Schubert
Coin toss (11:02 a.m.): Broncos won the toss and chosen to defer. Houston will get the ball to start the game. — Ryan McFadden
Pre-game updates
Ben DiNucci (10:48 a.m.): It’ll be interesting to hear what Sean Payton says about the decision to use a practice squad elevation on Ben DiNucci, then have him inactive for the game. He can’t serve as the Broncos’ emergency third quarterback (the NFL’s rule change this offseason) because he’s a member of the practice squad. He would have had to be active and count against the gameday 48-man roster. Plus, neither Russell Wilson or Jarrett Stidham were on the injury report this week. That leaves two seemingly likely situations: 1) A team asked about signing DiNucci away from Denver late in the week and this was the agreement to keep him from signing somewhere else. Or 2) The Broncos didn’t have another player they felt was central to their roster construction today and used it as a way to reward DiNucci with a game check. — Parker Gabriel
Inactives (10:23 a.m.): Quarterback Ben DiNucci, safety JL Skinner, tight end Nate Adkins, outside linebackers Ronnie Perkins and Thomas Incoom, center Alex Forsyth and defensive lineman Elijah Garcia. — Ryan McFadden
Good morning from NRG Stadium in Houston (10:22 a.m.): The Broncos (6-5) are 40 minutes away from facing the Texans (6-5) with playoff implications on the line. Who would’ve thought? According the New York Times playoff simulator, the Broncos will have a 58% chance of making the playoffs with a win this afternoon. Their chances drop to 15% with a loss. So yeah, this is a big game. — Ryan McFadden
Scouting report (9 a.m.): Check out how the Broncos match up with the Texans in Ryan McFadden’s scouting report.
Game predictions
Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Broncos 28, Texans 24
The longer Denver’s winning streak goes, the more it becomes natural to figure it’s got to end at some point. But they’ve had some magic in them so far and this is the kind of game they can win… if they can stay patient enough to play the kind of style that has led them to five in a row.
Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Broncos 27, Texans 24
Sean Payton called the Texans a dangerous team. So are the Broncos. They have won five straight, and the defense is flying around and making plays. Denver’s win streak will continue, but it might take some late-game magic from Russell Wilson to do so.
Mark Kiszla, columnist: Texans 23, Broncos 20
Know what strikes me as odd? Broncos coach Sean Payton calls plays as if Russell Wilson is a rookie quarterback, while the Texans aren’t hesitant to turn loose 22-year-old C.J. Stroud. Can the Denver defense take advantage of Stroud’s pedal-to-the-metal tendencies and force two interceptions from him? If the answer is yes, the Broncos win. If not? Nope.
Sean Keeler, columnist: Broncos 25, Texans 24
Logic says The Takeaway Train is about to burst like the real estate bubble 15 years ago. But when have these Broncos obeyed the laws of logic? Or precedent? Or sanity? Yeah, the Texans don’t turn the ball over. Yeah, Houston’s a tough out at home. So’s Buffalo.
Broncos-Texans NFL Week 13: Must-reads
Broncos prepare for Texans QB C.J. Stroud: “It’s unusual what he’s accomplishing as a rookie”
Russell Wilson understands what it’s like to set the league on fire in his first season. So when he said Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud “is having one of the best rookie years ever,” it might be wise to take the Broncos signal caller’s word for it.
Stroud’s numbers through 11 games have been impressive. He is second in the league in passing yards (3,266), tied for seventh in touchdown passes (19) and has the eighth-best adjusted quarterback rating at 62.7.
He added to his impressive resume when he was named the AFC Offensive Player and Rookie of the Month for November. Stroud is the second rookie quarterback in NFL history to win Player of the Month, joining the Browns’ Deshaun Watson, Ryan McFadden reports. Read the full story.
Broncos’ Quinn Meinerz just bought a telescope, collects “chill synth” vinyl and is on a quest to become the NFL’s most dominant guard
During his second pro season, Meinerz spent $1,000 on the Home record that started it all. Now his vinyl collection numbers in the hundreds. The expansion continues. It won’t ever stop, at least not entirely.
Meinerz has experienced growth in his day job, too.
In his third year as a pro, Meinerz is increasingly recognized as one of the best young interior linemen in football. He’s a long way from the fascinating but green draft prospect out of Division III Wisconsin-Whitewater he was in 2021, Parker Gabriel reports. Read the full story.
Kiszla: While Sean Payton struck it rich with Broncos, did DeMeco Ryans win better job in Houston?
While Sean Payton got big money from the crazy-rich Waltons to coach the Broncos, DeMeco Ryans won the coaching sweepstakes by landing the better job in Houston.
Although the Broncos and Texans bring identical 6-5 records to a game Sunday with huge playoff implications for this season, which of these teams is closer to winning the Super Bowl down the road?
You tell me: Would you rather build a championship contender around two established NFL veterans in quarterback Russell Wilson and Payton, each with a championship on distinguished resumes, or 22-year-old rookie C.J. Stroud and Ryans, in his first-year as a head coach? Advantage, Texans, Mark Kiszla writes. Read the column.
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