The Denver Broncos (7-2) went on the road and defeated the Houston Texans (3-5) in Week 9 of the 2025 NFL season at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Sunday afternoon.
Trailing 15-7 going into the fourth quarter, the Broncos pulled off another comeback victory after kicker Wil Lutz kicked a game-winning field goal to secure an 18-15 win as time expired. With that win, Denver improved to 4-0 this season when trailing entering the fourth quarter. The Broncos remain in first place in the AFC West, and their 7-2 record has them tied for first in the conference.
View a recap of updates from Sunday’s win below.
Final: Broncos defeat Texans 18-15
The Broncos defeated the Texans when Wil Lutz kicked a game-winning field goal as time expired. Denver’s now 7-2.
Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more! Q4: Denver punts, then forces 3-and-out
After stalling near midfield, the Broncos punted and Houston took over at its own 13-yard line with 1:14 remaining in the game. Denver promptly forced a three-and-out, and the Broncos will now get the ball back.
At the 2-minute warning, Denver and Houston are tied 15-15, and the Broncos have a first down near midfield with all three timeouts remaining.
Q4: Bo Nix throws TD pass to RJ Harvey
Nix connects with Harvey for a 27-yard Broncos touchdown!
Nix then hit Troy Franklin on a two-point conversion. The Broncos and Texans are now tied 15-15 with 12:28 remaining in the game.
Q3: Broncos WR Trent Sherfield returns
Broncos WR Trent Sherfield (knee) quickly returned to the game after being announced as questionable.
Q3: Houston adds another field goal
A fifth Ka’imi Fairbairn field goal makes it 15-7 with 9:18 remaining in the second quarter.
Q3: Texans QB C.J. Stroud ruled out with concussion
Houston ruled out C.J. Stroud with a concussion after halftime. Following a Denver punt, backup QB Davis Mills is back in for the Texans.
Halftime: Texans lead Broncos 12-7 at the break
Denver will get the ball to begin the third quarter.
Q2: Texans kick a fourth field goal
Ka’imi Fairbairn adds his fourth field goal of the game to give the Texans a 12-7 lead going into halftime. Denver will get the ball to begin the third quarter.
Q2: Broncos DL Zach Allen shaken up
Zach Allen appeared to take a block to his ribs on a second down play. He was able to walk off the field on his own.
Q2: Broncos turn the ball over again
Filling in for Marvin Mims (concussion protocol), Denver practice squad wide receiver Michael Bandy muffed a punt return just before halftime, setting Houston up at the Broncos’ 30-yard line.
Q2: Texans retake lead with another field goal
A third Fairbairn field goal gives Houston a 9-7 lead over the Broncos. Denver will have 1:52 and one timeout to try to score before the break.
Q2: Broncos lead 7-6 at 2-minute warning
Houston’s driving just before halftime.
Q2: Bo Nix throws TD pass to Courtland Sutton
One play after Nix missed a wide-open Evan Engram on second down, the second-year QB threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton to give the Broncos a 7-6 lead over the Texans with 4:52 remaining in Q2.
Q2: Houston adds another field goal
Following the Nix interception, the Texans drove down to the 2-yard line before a Jonathon Cooper sack on third down forced Houston into another field goal to make it 6-0 midway through Q2.
Q2: Broncos QB Bo Nix throws interception
Nix threw an interception to Texans safety Calen Bullock on a pass intended for Courtland Sutton in the second quarter. Houston gets the ball back, up 3-0. Davis Mills is now in the game at QB for the Texans.
Q2: Texans QB C.J. Stroud shaken up
Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud was hit by Broncos cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine late on a run in the second quarter and the quarterback was shaken up after the play. Stroud slid late, but KAD didn’t have enough time to stop his tackle. KAD was initially penalized for the hit, but officials picked up the flag after replay assist. Stroud gave fans a thumbs up as he later walked off the field, then he went into the locker room. The QB is being evaluated for a possible concussion.
After driving down to the one-yard line, the Texans initially lined up for a QB sneak on fourth-and-goal, but after a false start penalty, Houston settled for a 23-yard Ka’imi Fairbairn field goal. The Texans lead the Broncos 3-0 with seconds remaining in Q1.
Q1: Broncos have field goal blocked
Denver kicker Wil Lutz had a 51-yard field goal attempt blocked by Texans defensive lineman Denico Autry on the Broncos’ first drive. Denver and Houston remain tied at 0-0 with 4:27 remaining in Q1.
Q1: Marcedes Lewis makes franchise history
Lewis, 41, is the oldest player to appear in a regular or postseason game for the Broncos, and he’s the oldest tight end to play in the NFL’s Super Bowl era.
After quarterback C.J. Stroud took a nine-yard sack on third down, Houston missed a 51-yard field goal attempt. The Broncos and Texans are still tied 0-0 midway through the first quarter.
Q1: Broncos rotating cornerbacks
With Pat Surtain out, Denver’s rotating in a mix of cornerbacks across from Riley Moss.
Denver won the coin toss and deferred until the second half. The Texans will get the ball first.
We’re getting closer to kickoff!
Pregame: Jahdae Barron and Kris Abrams-Draine getting CB2 reps
With Pat Surtain out, one of KAD or Barron will start across from Riley Moss today.
Jackson, of course, spent most of his career split between the Texans and Broncos.
Broncos inactives: 7 players won’t play today
Jaleel McLaughlin is a healthy scratch once again.
After facing the Texans, Denver will return home to host the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 10.
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