Houston Texans running back Devin Singletary (26). Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

NFL Week 13: Denver Broncos vs. Houston Texans, betting picks, preview

By Matt Wiesenfeld | Last updated Dec 2, 2023 11:12 AM ET

Who would have thought this game would actually have playoff implications a month ago? Both teams are 6-5 heading into Sunday and the winner is going to get a big bump, while the loser will still be in the hung, just in a much tougher spot with a month to go. Denver has won five in a row but they are hardly dominating, as three of those wins have been by three points or less. Houston's last seven games have all been decided by less than a touchdown.

Denver Broncos vs. Houston Texans Betting Trends and Odds

Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023 — 1 p.m. ET
Odds: Houston -3, Over/under 47.5, Denver +136 | Houston -162

Pretty standard line making here with the home side favored by three points. I guess that makes sense for a game with teams with the same record at this time of the year. The question is how much you believe experience matters. If you do, then Denver is the easy side to get behind. Sometimes the markets like new, new things though. Even though both teams are solid and in the hunt, there is not much sizzle here.

Picks for Denver vs. Houston

Denver +3; Devin Singletary 25+ Receiving Yards (+270)

C.J. Stroud has been very effective as a rookie quarterback this season. He has been impressive, but now we are getting into some big spots and it is harder to have full belief in him and the offense not making some mistakes. As for Denver and QB Russell Wilson leading their offense, he has gotten better as the season has progressed and obviously has a strong track record of success in all kinds of games. Denver has been playing in a lot of close games of late and winning their fair share, They can do so or again just keep the contest nice and tight by avoiding big mistakes. Even if Houston does win, this feels like a game that should go down to the wire. Neither team has an obvious sustainable advantage.

Singletary leads the Texans in rushing this season and has looked all right since being pushed into the starting lineup. Last week he had his highest totals in targets, receptions, and yards — more than doubling this total — thanks to a 33-yard catch and run. He is very slippery and I expect his role in the offense to continue.

Even with just a day to collect some more interest I can see this game moving in either direction. The narratives are strong both ways. Not to be forgotten is that Houston lost a tough game last week and for a young team that can be tough to comeback from.

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Matt Wiesenfeld

Matt Wiesenfeld has been handicapping games and espousing sports wisdom online for more than a decade, writing thousands of articles to help bettors understand and play the market. Matt loves to bet on, write about, and engage on MLB, the NFL, NBA, college football, and college basketball

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