For the record: The Texans are 6-7 and in last place in the AFC South.
Last week: Beat Tampa Bay 28-14 at Houston.
Who’s hot: Houston quarterback Sage Rosenfels, playing for the injured Matt Schaub, threw three touchdown passes against Tampa Bay. Rosenfels is expected to face the Broncos.
Who’s not: Former Broncos running back Ron Dayne gained 17 yards on seven carries against Tampa Bay.
Key stat: Houston converted 10-of-17 third downs against the Bucs.
FYI: This is just the second time these teams have met, and it will be the Broncos’ first trip to Houston since they faced the then Oilers in 1995. There is speculation Texans quarterback coach Kyle Shanahan, the son of Broncos coach Mike Shanahan, is in line to replace Mike Sherman as the team’s offensive coordinator. Sherman is leaving to become the head coach at Texas A&M. Kyle Shanahan turns 28 on Friday.
Coachspeak: “Sage has the desire and the goal to be a starter in this league. He’s always taken advantage of opportunities. He took a big step forward in his career today.”
— Houston coach Gary Kubiak, on Rosenfels
Bill Williamson
