Last meeting
In Week 9 of the 2004 season, quarterback Jake Plummer threw four touchdown passes to lead the Broncos past the visiting Texans, 31-13.
Streaks
The above matchup is the only meeting these two teams have ever had. Check out the complete head-to-head breakdown.
Last week
Both teams earned blowout victories to keep their dwindling playoff hopes alive. The Broncos thoroughly dominated the overmatched Chiefs, 41-7, at Invesco Field, while the Texans handed the visiting Buccaneersa 28-14 defeat.
At stake
Technically, a postseason berth is what each team has on the line this Sunday. Both need to win out and hope for some significant help. Realistically, Denver wants to end the season on a high note and give young QB Jay Cutler some momentum going into next season, while Houston wants to finish above .500 for the first time in franchise history.
Key matchup
Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey vs. Texans WR Andre Johnson.
Bailey continues to set the standard for his position as an elite cover corner. While his interception numbers are down from the past two seasons, he remains a sure tackler and has made it tough on opponents trying to throw his way with nine passes defensed. Largely because of Bailey, Denver's pass defense ranks seventh -- the only area in which the defense has played well in an otherwise disappointing year for the unit. In Johnson, Bailey will face one of his stiffest tests the league has to offer. Despite playing in just six games this year because of a midseason knee injury, Johnson still has 617 yards receiving and six touchdowns. He has caught nine balls in each of his past two contests. If Bailey is able to contain Johnson, the Broncos can probably shut down Houston's offense, but if Johnson gets loose, look for this game to turn into a shootout.
Did you know?
Denver has had five different running backs lead the team in rushing for a game the past two seasons. ... After throwing a total of nine touchdown passes his first six seasons, Texans quarterback Sage Rosenfels has tossed 11 this year.
