Neither the Cleveland Browns nor the Houston Texans are known for lighting it up in the postseason, but they get an opportunity to course-correct history when these two surprise playoff teams clash on Saturday afternoon.  The Browns finished second in the AFC North with a commendable 11-6 record, whereas the Texans are the surprise winners of the AFC South at 10-7.

The NFL odds favour the visiting Cleveland Browns, if slightly. They’re currently pegged at -2.5.

NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis

This is the second meeting between the sides in just a few weeks. There is a major caveat to that, however. On Christmas Eve, the Browns rolled into Houston and all over the Texans 36-22 but the hosts were without QB and rookie phenom C.J. Stroud, who was nursing a concussion at the time. Of note, the Browns have won four games in a row over the Texans overall, including two in Houston.

“Playoffs” and “Cleveland Browns” are not terms mentioned often in the same sentence. That said, the Kevin Stefanski era, which began in 2020, has produced two post-season participations in four years. When one of the most popular video shorts online is a fan yelling at the Browns’ stadium and calling it a “factory of sadness”, two out of four seasons is just what the doctor ordered. Cleveland finished the season 11-6 ATS.

Houston has been a more regular playoff participant since the current iteration of the Browns came into existence, but that doesn’t mean the franchise has tasted much more success. They’re only 4-6 overall all-time. Houston had a decent run from 2015 through 2019 when they played playoff football four times. They won the Wild Card round twice, although were ousted in the Divisional Round. The last time was an infamous defeat to the Chiefs despite racing out to a 24-0 second quarter lead. But as most know, that was a different era of Texans football.

Cleveland Browns

How Cleveland got this far is itself a minor miracle. Consider that they’re quarterbacked by Joe Flacco, the once-Browns killer. DeShaun Watson saw his season end due to injury. PJ Walker wasn’t the solution, nor was Dorian Thompson-Robinson. RB Nick Chubb was lost for the year early on. Credit one of the best defences in the NFL and head coach Kevin Stefanski for taping over the club’s deficiencies that could have oh so easily derailed their campaign.

The Browns are number one in total yards allowed (270.2) and number one in passing yards allowed (164.7), although they’re a bit weaker against the run (105.5 yards, 11^th). Myles Garret finished the year with 14 sacks and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was fourth with 20 tackles for losses. On offence, Joe Flacco has found chemistry with TE David Njoku. Amari Cooper was, unsurprisingly, the top WR, finishing with 1,250 yards, which is rather incredible when considering who was throwing the ball at times.

Listed as questionable: Amari Cooper, Myles Garrett, CB Mike Ford, RB Pierre Strong Jr.

Houston Texans

If DeMeco Ryans doesn’t win head coach of the year honours, then what’s the point of its existence? Armed with rookies and castoffs, the Houston Texans, despite key injuries, are a 10-7 division-winning club. Whatever happens in the playoffs, this team has already flown far above expectations.

QB C.J. Stroud has proven himself a winner. Not a perfect quarterback – he’s a rookie, after all – but a winner. And that’s something the Texans needed. He threw for over 4,100 yards this season, 23 TDs and only five picks. Incredible figures for a first-year gunslinger.  Frankly, rookie of the year material. Heading into this game, however, many of his targets are injured. Tank Dell is on IR and Robert Woods and Noah Brown are questionable. There’s always Nico Collins and his 1,297-yard campaign. What might hurt Houston in this game is its relative weakness against the pass – 234.1 yards a game, 21^st. The Browns have made life miserable for opposing quarterbacks all season.

Who Will Win Browns vs. Texans?

BROWNS

Away

23

TEXANS

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