Browns vs. Texans Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Texans' Defense Step Up in C.J. Stroud's Absence?
The Houston Texans will host the Cleveland Browns on Sunday afternoon without their star quarterback, C.J. Stroud. Can the defense step up against the resurgent Browns and keep their playoff hopes alive in a low-scoring battle? Jason Radowitz provides his analysis and pick in Browns vs. Texans.
Jason Radowitz - December 20, 2023, 11:30 AM EST
5 minBrowns vs. Texans Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Houston Survive Again Without C.J. Stroud?
The Cleveland Browns will head out on the road to face the Houston Texans in a huge AFC matchup for playoff implications.
The Browns have won two straight games with Joe Flacco under center. Those two wins have helped them get to 9-5 on the season.
Meanwhile, the Texans are 8-6 after a come-from-behind win over the Titans in overtime last week. The Texans were forced to use Case Keenum at quarterback with C.J. Stroud in concussion protocol.
Reports indicate that Stroud will likely miss another game this weekend due to his concussion. Therefore, they'll rely on Keenum at least one more time to keep them in the playoff race.
Can the Texans earn a minor home upset on Sunday?
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Sunday's game between the Cleveland Browns vs. Houston Texans.
Browns vs. Texans Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: December 24, 2023
- Game Time: 1:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: CBS
Browns vs. Texans Odds
- Spread: Browns -2 (-110), Texans +2 (-110)
- Total Odds: O/U 40 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Browns (-140), Texans (+120)
Browns vs. Texans Injury Report
Browns
Questionable: S Juan Thornhill (Calf), LB Anthony Walker Jr. (Knee), DE Ogbo Okoronkwo (Pectroal), C Ethan Pocic (Stinger), LB Jordan Kunaszyk (Calf)
Out: DT Maurice Hurst II (Pectoral), S Grant Delpit (Groin)
Texans
Questionable: OT George Fant (Hip), LB Blake Cashman (Hamstring), WR Nico Collins (Calf), DE Will Anderson Jr. (Ankle)
Out: QB C.J.. Stroud (Concussion), WR Tank Dell (Leg)
Browns vs. Texans Prediction
Last week, the Texans earned a 19-16 win in overtime against the Titans. However, Case Keenum wasn't anywhere close to spectacular in that game.
The veteran quarterback completed 23 passes on 36 attempts and earned 229 yards passing with one touchdown and one interception. He found Noah Brown and Dalton Schultz 12 times combined on 16 targets. However, other than Robert Woods, no other receivers really stepped up.
It's currently unclear if Nico Collins will return. He would be the No. 1 receiver for the Texans instead of Brown if he did come back.
Meanwhile, the run game was effective under Devin Singletary. He played so well that he earned 26 carries, while Dameon Pierce had just one rush in the entire game.
Houston hasn't rushed the ball very effectively this season, earning just over 100 yards per game on the ground. Meanwhile, the Browns have held teams to 102.21 yards rushing per game this season.
If Houston can't get major gains on the ground, it will be challenging to win this game.
Meanwhile, Cleveland's Joe Flacco has started three games this season. He's thrown for 939 yards in those three games with seven touchdowns. However, he's also got five interceptions in three games.
That's pushed his QBR to 33.5, which isn't ideal.
Flacco has instilled confidence in the Browns. That's something P.J. Walker or Dorian Thompson-Robinson couldn't do. However, Flacco is facing a tough Houston secondary that should be able to earn some more interceptions.
Face it. We're talking about a game between Case Keenum and Joe Flacco. Let's back the Under.
Cleveland Browns vs. Houston Texans Pick
- Under 40 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
Win a $50 Gift Card on NFL Sunday Football
Think you know what's going to happen in various games on NFL Sunday this week? Answer the pick questions below for your chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card!
NFL Odds
