FOUR THINGS TO WATCH

WHERE THEY LEFT OFF

1Quarterback Brock Osweiler was outstanding on the Texans’ last three drives of regulation and overtime in the 26-23 overtime win over Indianapolis. He was 13-of-15 for 166 yards and two touchdowns on those possessions. He also received excellent blocking from his offensive line. He needs to pick up against a terrific Denver defense where he left off against the Colts for the Texans to put themselves in position to win their first road game after losses at New England and Minnesota.

PROTECT OSWEILER

2The Broncos lead the NFL with 21 sacks, including 7½ by outside linebacker Von Miller. Osweiler has been hit 43 times, but he’s done a good job of getting rid of the ball because he’s been sacked 12 times, tying the Texans for 12th. The pass blockers must give him a clean pocket. He won’t have long to throw because of Denver’s ferocious pass rush that helped the Broncos win Super Bowl 50, so he must make good decisions, be accurate and get rid of the ball fast.

CAN’T WILT UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT

3In their two road defeats, the Texans wilted under the pressure of playing at Gillette Stadium and U.S. Bank Stadium. They were beaten before kickoff. They weren’t competitive at any point in either game. Coach Bill O’Brien has to find a way to get his players to settle down and play at Sports Authority Field at Mile High the way they do at home. They can’t fall behind early, panic or let the crowd noise get to them in Denver.

GET BACKS INVOLVED

4The Broncos are 22nd against the run. Lamar Miller is coming off his best game in the victory over Indianapolis. If the Texans don’t fall so far behind they have to abandon the running game, they should run Miller and Alfred Blue as much as possible to try to control the clock. They also need to get Miller and rookie Tyler Ervin involved in the passing game, especially short passes on early downs, and force Denver’s linebackers to cover them all over the field.