Denver Broncos: 3 Players that must shine vs. Texans in Week 14

1. Phillip Lindsay

With 766 rushing yards, Phillip Lindsay sits right in the middle of the pack among starting running backs. The Broncos have relied on him and Royce Freeman in the rushing game for the past two seasons. Now, with a rookie quarterback commanding the offense, they will be leaned on more than ever.

Lindsay has shown frustration this year on the field because of the offensive woes the team has faced. There are bound to be even more hiccups as Drew Lock becomes more accustomed to playing at an NFL level.

Vic Fangio and the Denver coaching staff will probably have a more run-heavy approach going into this one — even more so than earlier in the season. Obviously, Lock will have to make plays, but if Lindsay can shine he can take the pressure of off the rookie.

This means a battered and struggling offensive line would need to step up. Denver will probably hand the ball of over 30 times, even more so if it’s a tight game. If the offensive line struggles it will be a long day for their offense.

Lindsay has been a very underrated player in his first two years in the league. He went to the Pro Bowl as a rookie and is quietly on pace to nearly match his 2018 rushing totals — behind a mediocre O-line.

The Texans are allowing 111 rush yards per game, which is in the bottom half of the NFL. Denver’s second-year running back could put together a quality performance against this unit. He is the number one player to watch. Expect the offense to work through him all game long.