Dec 3, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) attempts to escape the grasp of Denver Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton (49) during the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Two of the NFL's best defenses take center stage Sunday when the Texans host the Broncos in Week 9 action.

Preview the Week 9 matchup between the Houston Texans and Denver Broncos with predictions, odds, over/under, spread, betting lines and more.

With a start on Sunday against the Broncos, tackle Tytus Howard would pass Texans legend J.J. Watt (84) for the fifth-most consecutive starts in franchise history. Howard has started in all 84 career games he has appeared in, and is preparing to fill into his typical role at right tackle once again vs. Denver.

The Denver Broncos already face a tough battle against the Houston Texans on Sunday, and the degree of difficulty got a little harder today when Denver learned that receivers Nico Collins and Christian Kirk will return from injuries,

Houston Texans Injury Report Update: FB Jakob Johnson (hamstring) has been downgraded to out for Week 9 against the Denver Broncos. Johnson, the Texans' fullback/tight end signed onto the active roster from the practice squad earlier this season, has been out of the fold for the past four games with a hamstring injury.

Down in Dove Valley, newly minted Broncos left guard Alex Palczewski’s locker sits directly across from Garett Bolles. And for a 26-year-old who profiles as a tackle and says his last time playing on the left side of the O-line was the “Obama administration,” there may not be a better mentor in the NFL than the 33-year-old Bolles.