Week 1 of the NFL season is always full of surprises. Both the Texans’ and Broncos’ outcomes in Week 1 were opposite of what most fans and analysts predicted. The Texans almost upset the Indianapolis Colts and ended up going to overtime with the game resulting in a tie.
The Broncos traveled to meet Russell Wilson‘s old team, the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football. The Broncos lost to the Seahawks in a huge upset, and in an embarrassing fashion. The Broncos Monday night debacle included fumbles, penalties, squandered opportunities and bad coaching decisions by new head coach Nathaniel Hackett.
Texans vs. Broncos Week 2 NFL Betting Picks & Predictions
Texans Start the Season Strong
The Texans shocked the Colts and fans alike as they started the season hot, taking a 20-3 lead into the 4th quarter. The Colts scored 17 points in the 4th quarter to send the game to overtime where they ultimately tied. Total yards and most statistical categories were still dominated by the Colts.
The Texans had a split backfield between Rex Burkhead (14 carries) and Damien Pierce (11 carries). Burkhead also caught 5 passes for 30 yards. Brandin Cooks dominated the target share, but it was new tight end O.J. Howard scored 2 touchdowns for the Texans.
Week 1 exceeded expectations for Texans fans, but now they travel to Denver to face a Broncos team desperately needing a win to avoid starting the season 0-2.
Broncos Monday Night Football Woes
The Broncos played poorly in every phase of the game on Monday, including coaching. The defense allowed Geno Smith to go 23-for-28 passing but then held the Seahawks to 0 points in the second half.
Despite that, the Broncos could not overcome a 17-13 halftime deficit and only scored 3 points in the 2nd half. The Broncos’ offensive woes were not on Wilson. He threw for 340 yards, one touchdown and had a 69% completion percentage. He still looked to be the efficient Wilson we are used to watching. Instead, the Broncos squandered multiple scoring opportunities and had two goal-line fumbles.
Finally, HC Nathaniel Hackett opted to play for a 64-yard field goal to end the game instead of taking a timeout and going for 4th and 5. Essentially, he opted for a low percentage field goal instead of putting the ball in future Hall of Famer Wilson’s hands to win the game.
Texans vs. Broncos Prediction
Hackett and Wilson want to quickly erase the Monday night embarrassment for themselves, their fans and their critics. A big statement win at home while putting up a lot of points on offense is the best way to do that. Even if they are playing ahead the whole game, with Wilson’s efficiency, he can easily reach this number.
Remember he threw for 340 passing yards Monday night and had a 69% completion rate. Look for Russ to Cook and get the Broncos back on track Sunday.
Best Bet: Russell Wilson Over 246.5 Passing Yards (-114 FanDuel Sportsbook)
