Denver Broncos vs. Houston Texans: Pro Football Betting Odds and Picks

Denver Broncos vs. Houston Texans
Sunday, 12/22/13, 1:00 PM EST
Opening Point Spread: Denver -9.5
Current Betting Line: Denver -10
Opening Total: 51.5
Current Total: 52.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

Cardinals Broncos NFL Preview — The Denver Broncos have the NFL’s top offense heading into Week 16

Denver hopes to bounce back after dropping its first home game of the 2013 regular season to the San Diego Chargers in Week 15, as it sits in a tie with the Kansas City Chiefs atop the AFC West division. Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning needs just 665 passing yards and three touchdowns over the last two games to tied the NFL single-season records in each category, which can’t be ignored when looking over the pro football odds page. Offensively, the team leads the league in averaging 38.2 points and 453.4 yards per game, while ranking 24th and 23rd in those categories defensively. Denver is 7-2 SU and 6-3 ATS as favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points this season, with the OVER cashing in six of those nine opportunities.

The Broncos have been getting tremendous production from running back Knowshon Moreno in recent weeks, as he needs just eight rushing yards to equal his career high of 947 set during his rookie season in 2009. Manning will likely play without one of his main offensive targets in Wes Welker, who continues to deal with concussion symptoms that have lingered the last couple weeks.

Houston hopes to put an end to its 12-game losing streak in its final game at Reliant Stadium this season, which is important to consider when making your pro football picks. The Texans will welcome back quarterback Matt Schaub, who will get the call due to Case Keenum being ruled out of this matchup with a thumb injury. In Week 3 versus the Broncos last season, Schaub completed 17-of-30 passes for 290 yards and an interception. Houston is 0-3 SUATS in games with a betting total of 49.5 or higher the last two-plus seasons.

The Texans are led on the defensive end by tackle J.J. Watt, who leads the league with 30 sacks dating back to last season, which includes 2.5 in last year’s meeting with the Broncos. Houston presents a challenge for Denver, as it ranks fourth in the NFL in allowing just 304.2 yards per game.