Even without Patrick Surtain II, the Denver Broncos' defense still has plenty of pieces to be a threat to the Houston Texans, and they proved that by essentially shutting down the Dallas Cowboys, who have been a top-three offense in the NFL.

In Week 9 of the NFL season, the model is shying away from picking the Broncos (6-2) over the Texans (3-4). Although Denver leads the AFC West and is riding a five-game winning streak, the Broncos are just 2-2 on the road this season.

"I remember watching him growing up," Broncos QB Bo Nix said of 41-year-old TE Marcedes Lewis. Nix was 6 years old when Lewis was drafted.

Texans Wire reached out to Brandon Walker, beat reporter for Broncos Wire, to provide insight on what to expect in Sunday's showdown at NRG Stadium.

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

The NFL trade deadline is now just four days away, and the Denver Broncos could look at bringing in more weapons for second-year quarterback Bo Nix.