Browns vs. Texans Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Joe Flacco, Browns Keep Momentum In The Playoffs?
The first NFL playoff matchup of the year is this Saturday when the Browns take on the Texans. Can JOe Flacco and the Browns keep their momentum going or will rookie CJ Stroud help the Texans advance? Jason Radowitz answers.
Jason Radowitz - January 9, 2024, 9:00 AM EST
5 minBrowns vs. Texans Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Joe Flacco Continue Momentum In The Playoffs?
The first playoff matchup of the year is a good one!
The Cleveland Browns will face the Houston Texans in an early AFC Wild Card matchup on Saturday.
The Browns finished the season 11-6 behind the heroics of Joe Flacco, who only played five games for Cleveland this season.
Meanwhile, the Texans squeezed into the playoffs with a 10-7 record after C.J. Stroud put together a terrific rookie campaign at quarterback.
With so many great storylines, how will this game go?
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Saturday's game between the Cleveland Browns vs. Houston Texans.
Browns vs. Texans Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: January 13, 2024
- Game Time: 4:30 pm ET
- Where to Watch: NBC
Browns vs. Texans Odds
- Spread: Browns -2.5 (-110), Texans +2.5 (-110)
- Total Odds: O/U 43.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Browns (-150), Texans (+125)
Browns vs. Texans Injury Report
Browns
Questionable: S Juan Thornhill (Calf), CB Greg Newsome II (Knee), PK Dustin Hopkins (Hamstring), DE Myles Garrett (Shoulder), CB Mike Ford (Calf)
Out: LB Anthony Walker Jr (Knee), S Grant Delpit (Groin)
Texans
Questionable: WR Robert Woods (Hip), DE Jonathan Greenard (Ankle), WR Noah Brown (Back), DE Jerry Hughes (Ankle)
Out: S Jimmie Ward (Quadriceps), CB Tavierre Thomas (Hamstring)
Browns vs. Texans Prediction
The Cleveland Browns have been one of the best defenses in the NFL this year. The pass rush has dominated, and the secondary has played at a very high level.
However, although the Browns have allowed just 100.63 yards on the ground per game this season, there's reason to believe that the Texans can successfully rush the football.
Houston has only earned 96.88 yards per game on the ground. But in their earlier matchup against Cleveland, Houston averaged 4.5 yards a carry. Devin Singletary added nine rushes for 44 yards, earning nearly five yards a carry.
The Texans lost that game, 36-22, behind Davis Mills and Case Keenum. But now the offense can be more balanced with C.J. Stroud back. Keenum was horrible in that game, and while Mills added two touchdowns, he averaged just 4.7 yards per throw.
That's why I wouldn't put too much weight into that Houston loss. After all, Flacco threw three touchdowns and two interceptions with 368 yards and no sacks against Houston.
But the Browns' run game was horrible, earning 54 yards on 30 carries in that game. Ultimately, the Houston secondary has been the best portion of the Texans' defense this season. We know that Houston can stop the run, but if they can perform better against the pass, they'll be well on their way to a home victory against the Browns.
Flacco's a fun story. But most teams would want the ball in C.J. Stroud's hands in the playoffs. The Texans will find a way, just like last week. After all, the Texans have allowed 22 points in the previous eight quarters with the season on the line.
Take Houston at +2.5.
Cleveland Browns vs. Houston Texans Pick
- Texans +2.5 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
NFL Odds
