PLAYER INTRODUCTIONS: The offensive starters are being introduced, as they sprint through the tunnel one-by-one. Tim Tebow is the last player onto the field, and he runs to greet his teammates — Brian Dawkins is there first for an embrace — to a loud ovation.

COIN TOSS: The captains are at midfield for the coin toss — including Rod Smith. The Texans call heads — and it’s tails. The Broncos win the toss and defer to the second half. Denver will kick to Houston to start the game.

Q1 15:00: Steven Hauschka is in to kick off, with Steve Slaton deep to receive for the Texans. Slaton fields it a yard deep in the end zone and is tackled by Eric Decker at the 20-yard line. The starting defense is on the field, with Justin Bannan, Jamal Williams and Kevin Vickerson on the line. The linebackers are Robert Ayers and Mario Haggan on the outside with D.J. Williams and Wesley Woodyard lined up inside. In the secondary it’s Champ Bailey, Andre’ Goodman, Renaldo Hill and Brian Dawkins, back after missing the past three games with a knee injury.

Q1 14:48: Houston’s first play from scrimmage is a handoff to Arian Foster, who is dropped by D.J. Williams after a gain of a yard. On second down it’s Foster again, and Vickerson and Bailey are there to stop him for a loss of a yard. Now third-and-10, Matt Schaub lines up in the shotgun. He takes the snap, drops back and fires to Owen Daniels, who is stopped short of the first down. There’s a flag on the play, however — illegal formation on the Texans. The penalty is declined and the Texans have a fourth down. Matt Turk is in to punt to Eddie Royal, who waits at his own 29. He calls for a fair catch at the 40, where the offense will take over.