Browns at Texans: Wild Card Matchup Preview and Prediction
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Who doesn't love a good rematch, especially when it comes with the high stakes of the NFL Playoffs?
That's what fans get with a Super Wild Card Weekend matchup between the Browns and Texans. Things look much different this time around with C.J. Stroud back in the fold. Houston is also healthier on defense than they were back in Week 16. Cleveland, meanwhile, saw star cornerback Denzel Ward pop up on the injury report on Thursday, which is a bit concerning.
Still, Cleveland heads to Houston on Saturday favored at -2.5, according to the SI Sportsbook, with a chance to continue what's been a magical season already.
Will they advance to the Division Round? Here's what our team thinks:
Anthony Moeglin: Browns 34, Texans 27
The Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans kickoff the NFL Playoff in a matchup that has fireworks written all over it. The CJ Stroud to Nico Collins connection cannot be denied and with Denzel Ward injuring his knee on Thursday, it just makes it harder for Cleveland. On the flip side, Cleveland's high-powered offense should pick up right where it left off. A lot of points in this one and Joe Flacco's experience will prove to be too much. Cleveland advances to the Divisional Round.
Anthony Poisal: Browns 28, Texans 27
The Texans will indeed be a much different team than the one the Browns faced on Christmas Eve. C.J. Stroud and Nico Collins could present problems — especially if Denzel Ward (knee) is hampered by an injury he suffered in practice this week — but the Browns defense is still capable of slowing Stroud down just enough to stay ahead. Joe Flacco needs to protect the ball (and the Browns will be in trouble if he throws multiple interceptions), but his level-headedness in the playoffs can keep things steady on offense.
Brendan Gulick: Browns 27, Texans 21
This game should be substantially closer than the last time they met a couple weeks ago. C.J. stroud is playing like a top-5 quarterback in the league right now, but it's encouraging for Browns fans Stroud's weaknesses this year tend to be strengths for Cleveland's defense. I don't anticipate Amari Cooper breaking another receiving record, but Cleveland is as healthy right now as they've been in a couple months. This team appears to be on a mission to make a deep run through the playoffs and I think they've proven over and over again that they'll fight through whatever adversity is thrown their way. I like the Browns at the line of scrimmage when they're on defense and I think Cleveland's offensive line will keep Joe Flacco upright long enough against a really good Houston pass rush.
Spencer German: Browns 31, Texans 24
The Browns have officially earned my trust. After everything they've been through this year and overcome, I am going into this weekend not only predicting but expecting them to win this game. Yes, the presence of C.J. Stroud for this rematch of Christmas Eve makes things a little more interesting. He is terrific and truly a threat to take this game over if the Browns aren't careful. That said, I just don't think this defense, led by Jim Schwartz, is going to let a rookie QB knock them out of the playoffs. Cleveland also comes armed with Joe Flacco who is as calm, cool and collected as quarterbacks come for a game with these types of stakes. Move over Tom Brady! Come Saturday night, Flacco will stand alone with the most road playoff wins in NFL history.
