NFL Schedule: Who plays on Monday night Week 7?

Week 7 in the NFL concludes with the Denver Broncos hosting the Houston Texans.

When Peyton Manning retired, it was widely expected that Brock Osweiler would become the starting quarterback for the reigning Super Bowl champions. Instead, Osweiler left the Broncos for the Houston Texans in free agency. On Monday night, Osweiler returns to Denver, where his 4-2 Texans play the 4-2 Broncos to conclude week 7 in the NFL season.

Despite the Texans’ 4-2 record and leading his team to a comeback victory in week six, Osweiler has been largely unimpressive. In six games this season Osweiler has completed just 59 per cent of his passes with eight touchdowns and eight interceptions. Osweiler has struggled to get the most out of his talented receivers Deandre Hopkins and Will Fuller. Needless to say, Osweiler has failed to live up to the $72 million dollar contract that lured him to Houston.

John Elway elected to replace both Manning and Osweiler internally. Promoted from third stringer Trevor Siemian to the starters role. For a fraction of the contract Manning earned last year and Osweiler received in the off-season, Siemian has represented an upgrade at the position for the Broncos. Siemian has completed 64.9 per cent of his passes throwing seven touchdowns to just three interceptions. As long as Siemian can play clean football and limit his turnovers, he will put the Broncos in position to win the majority of their games.

Texans keys to victory:

The Texans 4-2 record has come from a defense that is still generating pressure despite losing defensive player of the year J.J. Watt for the season. Former first round picks Jadeveon Clowney and Whitney Mercilus have been able to get to opposing quarterbacks on a regular basis. In the Texans comeback win against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Night Football, Clowney and Mercilus combined for 14 pressures according to Pro Football Focus.

If the Texans want to slow down Siemian, Mercilus and Clowney need to apply the pressure again. Right tackle has been a problem for the Broncos for the past two season. This year, Atlanta’s Vic Beasley had a four sack game going against the Broncos right tackle. The year prior, Khalil Mack had a five sack game against the Broncos. If the Texans can take advantage of their pass rushing strength against the Broncos line, they will give them a chance to win.

Odds:

Line: Broncos (-7)
Over/Under: 40.5

Making the Texans pass rush even more import, is the fact the team has three cornerbacks listed on this week’s injury report. Kareem Jackson (hamstring) and Jonathan Joseph (forearm) both practiced Wednesday, and are expected to play. But Kevin Johnson is expected to miss time with what is being reported as a broken foot. If the Texans can not get to Siemian, Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas could be running lose downfield.

Broncos keys to victory:

The key to victory for the Broncos is simple. Make Osweiler as uncomfortable as possible. The Denver crowd will likely add a lot of booing to make Osweiler’s life more difficult. But if the Broncos pass rush can get to him, they will expose his flaws. After four years of seeing Osweiler practice, they know what he can and can not do.

Wade Phillips will force Osweiler to do what he is uncomfortable doing. By adding pressure from Super Bowl MVP Von Miller, Osweiler will be forced to make decisions faster than he is capable of making them. When that happens, Osweiler makes mistakes.

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Offensively, the Broncos need to limit their mistakes. By limiting penalties and keeping a clean pocket, Siemian and the Broncos running game should be able to put points on the scoreboard. Expect rookie Devontae Booker to cut into starting running back C.J. Anderson’s workload.