Broncos Rally Past Texans 18-15 on Last-Second Field Goal

AP Photo/Eric Gay

HOUSTON — The Denver Broncos extended their winning streak to six games Sunday with an 18-15 victory over the Houston Texans, capped by a last-second 34-yard field goal from Wil Lutz. Quarterback Bo Nix threw two touchdown passes and led a late-game rally, despite struggling against Houston’s top-ranked defense for most of the contest.

“It proves that we can win tough games and that our mentality can adjust to find ways to win,” Nix said. “Finding these ugly wins is a good problem to have.” Denver improved to 7-2 on the season, remaining undefeated (4-0) in games where they trailed entering the fourth quarter. The Broncos had punted three times consecutively late in the game before Nix’s 25-yard scramble brought them to Houston’s 39-yard line with less than a minute remaining. A nine-yard run by J.K. Dobbins, followed by another nine-yard run by Nix, set up Lutz’s game-winning kick. Rookie RJ Harvey’s 27-yard touchdown reception and Troy Franklin’s two-point conversion tied the game at 15 early in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud left the game with a concussion in the first quarter, and Davis Mills struggled to move the offense, completing 17 of 30 passes for 137 yards. The Texans settled for five field goals from Ka’imi Fairbairn but were ineffective in the red zone and on third downs, converting only three of 17 opportunities.

Houston initially led 6-0 following a pair of field goals, one after a Denver fumble by Michael Bandy. Denver regained a 7-6 lead before halftime on Courtland Sutton’s 30-yard touchdown catch. Despite the setbacks, Harvey became the first rookie in franchise history to record touchdown receptions in three consecutive games. Injuries impacted both teams. Denver lost star cornerback Pat Surtain II to a pectoral strain, while J.T. Gray and Trent Sherfield also exited with injuries. Houston’s Christian Harris, Tytus Howard, and Darrell Taylor were sidelined due to various injuries. Marcedes Lewis made history as the oldest tight end to play in an NFL game at age 41 and also became the oldest player in Denver franchise history. Additionally, Denico Autry tied an NFL record for blocked kicks with his 13th career block.

Next, the Broncos host the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday night, while the Texans return home to face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.