WHEN THEY RUN
WHEN THE BROWNS RUN
The Browns are 25th in rushing with 89.2 yards a game. The Texans are 14th against the run, allowing 101.8 yards. The Texans have allowed two backs — Jacksonville’s Leonard Fournette and Kansas City’s Kareem Hunt – to reach the 100-yard mark. They’re allowing 3.7 yards per run. Isaiah Crowell leads the Browns with 194 yards rushing but averages only 3.1 yards. Benched quarterback DeShone Kizer was the second-leading rusher. The Texans’ front seven has to beware of second-year quarterback Kevin Hogan taking off and running for yards, especially on third down. The Browns have a terrific offensive line, led by perennial Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas, and their ability to open holes for the running game is paramount to pull an upset.
WHEN THE TEXANS RUN
With Deshaun Watson completing passes all over the field, the running game has been more productive. The Texans are fourth in rushing (140.6 yards). They average 4.5 yards a carry, and Watson is a big reason because he’s second with 179 yards, including 8.1 a carry. The Texans have only three rushing touchdowns, two by Watson. Lamar Miller and D’Onta Foreman have been more effective, but they’re going against a defense that ranks fifth against the run (76.6). The Browns’ front seven has been terrific against the run, but if the defense is forced to spread out because Watson likes to distribute the wealth, it should open up the running game. Bill O’Brien has shown he’s not afraid to call reverses to receivers to keep the defense off balance.