The Denver Broncos have won six straight games after narrowly defeating the Houston Texans 18-15 on the road in Week 9.

Just as many predicted, this game would be decided in the trenches, and Denver’s offensive line was able to overmatch Houston’s pass rush. Quarterback Bo Nix was sacked just one time for a loss of two yards.

Nix didn’t have a strong outing, completing 48.7 percent of passes (18 of 37) for 173 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. It was another inconsistent game for the second-year signal-caller, who sometimes looked calm and other times had “happy feet” and was inaccurate.

It was another great game for rookie running back RJ Harvey, who caught five passes for 51 yards and a touchdown, leading the team in receiving. He only had five rushing yards on two carries. J.K. Dobbins recorded 15 carries for 61 yards.

This game was a test for the Broncos defense as the unit is without star cornerback Pat Surtain II due to a pectoral injury, and they stepped up to the plate.

In particular, former first-round pick Jahdae Barron displayed why he was taken high in the draft. Kris Abrams-Draine and Barron need to continue playing well in Surtain’s absence.

“Coordinator Vance Joseph was matter-of-fact about Surtain's pectoral injury and what it will mean for cornerbacks Jahdae Barron and Kris Abrams-Draine,” ESPN’s Jeff Legwold wrote Sunday. “He said the Broncos won't be ‘as good without your best player ... but we expect these young guys to play and play well. That's why they're here.’ With the pass rush (four sacks) and a mix-and-match day at cornerback, the Broncos limited the red zone damage and gave up one pass play over 26 yards. The Broncos were helped that Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud left the game in the first half with a concussion, but Abrams-Draine and Barron helped give the offense time to close the deal -- a formula they may need as long as Surtain is out.”

Something worth noting is how Denver’s special teams looked horrendous. They had a field goal get blocked, a muffed punt, a badly-played kickoff and allowed a 45-yard punt return throughout the game. Luckily, the team was able to overcome those shortcomings and picked up the win.

But these issues will need to be fixed. It’s hard to say whether the Broncos are good or just lucky. Given how they have won some of their games, one might side with the latter.

Denver will host the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday Night Football in Week 10.