Houston Texans vs Cleveland Browns Preview
Kickoff for the Browns and Texans matchup on Saturday, January 13th is set for 4:30 ET. This Wild Card round NFL showdown will be televised on NBC.
This game, featuring two AFC conference rivals, has the Browns as the 2.5 point favorites on the road. Do they have what it takes to come away with a road win and cover the spread? Check out BetCoco for Houston Texans – Cleveland Browns odds
Houston Texans vs Cleveland Browns Head-to-Head and Key Stats
Last year, the Browns and Texans faced off one time, with Browns winning 27-14. In last year’s matchup, the Browns covered the spread, while the teams combined for 41 which was below the over/under line of 46.5 points. In the win, the Browns racked up 304 yards of total offense compared to the Texans at 283. The Browns rushed for 174 yards and threw for 130 in the game.
The Browns and Texans did not have any head-to-head matchups last season. But over the last three times playing each other, the Browns have a record of 3-0. The Browns also had the edge vs. the spread in these games, at 2-1. These games averaged a combined total of 50 points per game leading to an over/under record of 2-1.
Houston Texans vs Cleveland Browns Prediction
Through 17 games, the Browns are 2nd in the AFC-North on an overall record of 11-6. This will be Cleveland’s 9th game on the road this season and they are below .500 at 3-5. At home, they have gone 8-1. The Browns have put together an above .500 record versus the spread this season, currently at 10-6-1. Their average scoring margin for this season is +2. At 10-6-1 vs. the over/under, the Browns have an average margin of +6.4 versus their over/under lines. This season, their games have a combined average of 44.6 points per contest.
Regarding their offense, the Browns have an average 23.3 points per game, which places them 10th in the NFL. Thus far, the Browns’ defense has given up an average of 270.2 yards per game and 21.3 points per contest (13th). Going into this game, they’ve allowed a completion percentage of 57.4% and have surrendered 23 passing touchdowns. When it comes to run defense, they rank 11th in the NFL.
This week will be the Texans’ 10th game at home, where they have yet to lose (6-3). Their overall mark of 10-7 has them 1st in the AFC-South. In the AFC, they are in 4th place. When it comes to the spread, the Texans come in at 9-8. Going into week 1, their scoring margin per game is +1.4. With an over/under record of 6-11, the Texans come in with an average margin of +0.3 relative to their over/under lines. Their games have averaged 42.9 points per game (combined).
For this season, the Houston offense has an average of 22.2 points per game, placing them at 12th in the league. On the defensive side of the ball, the Texans give up an average of 234.1 passing yards and 96.6 rushing yards per game. Looking at their sack numbers, Houston is currently ranked 9th in the league. So far, they are giving up 20.8 points per game and 330.7 yards.
Even though they are 2.5 point underdogs, we see the Texans winning this game by a score of 22-19. After running simulations of the game, the Texans have a win probability of 56% vs. the Browns.
Houston Texans vs Cleveland Browns Betting Tips
- We like the Texans on the moneyline (+121)
- The Texans are also our pick on the spread at +2.5
- Our NFL model projects 41 points, and we suggest taking the under
Houston Texans Injury Report
- Cameron Johnston – Calf (Out)
- Juice Scruggs – Leg (Out)
- Brandon Hill – Undisclosed (Out)
- Tytus Howard – Hand (Out)
- Jesse Matthews – Knee (Out)
- DJ Scaife – Leg (Out)
- Kilian Zierer – Ankle (Out)
- Kenyon Green – Shoulder (Out)
- Charlie Heck – Foot (Out)
- Scott Quessenberry – Knee (Out)
- Troy Hairston – Back (Out)
Cleveland Browns Injury Report
- Michael Woods II – Achilles (Out)
- Bopete Keyes – Finger (Out)
- Dawson Deaton – Knee (Out)
- Thomas Graham Jr. – Ankle (Out)
- Daylen Baldwin – Hamstring (Out)
- Jacob Phillips – Pectoral (Out)
- Jakeem Grant Sr. – Knee (Out)
- Drew Forbes – Illness (Out)
- Jordan Kunaszyk – Knee (Out)
