WHEN THE TEXANS PASS
Deshaun Watson is coming off one of his most impressive performances. He threw three touchdown passes and caught his first scoring pass from DeAndre Hopkins in the victory over the Patriots. He was voted AFC Offensive Player of the Week for the third time this season. The Texans are ninth in offense (372.8 yards), including 12th in passing (243). The Broncos are 11th in defense (324.3 yards), fifth against the pass (210.6). Watson knows he’s got to keep an eye on safety Kareem Jackson, who’s playing against his former team for the first time and wants to have a big game in front of fans who cheered him for nine seasons. Watson is blessed with weapons across the board, beginning with Hopkins and Will Fuller. Kenny Stills has emerged as the third receiver, who has a team-best 15.4-yard average per catch. Tight end Darren Fells set a team record against New England with his seventh touchdown reception this season. The Broncos may have trouble covering Duke Johnson out of the backfield. He has 30c atches for 294 yards and three touchdowns. It’s been difficult for a linebacker to keep up with Johnson. As always, a big key for the Texans
protecting Watson, who has been sacked 35 times, including three by the Patriots. If he gets time to throw, the Texans could score a lot of points against a good defense as they did against New England. Their 28 points on four touchdown passes was the second-most the Patriots allowed this season.
Passing yards per game (NFL rank)
HOU OFF 243 (12th) DEN DEF 210.6 (5th)