Browns (9-5) at Texans (8-6)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, NRG Stadium, Houston
TV: CBS
Spread (BetMGM):
Texans by 2.5
Browns’ keys to victory: Win the turnover battle, which the Browns rarely do. Week after week, the defensive unit finds ways to bend without breaking despite a lack of field position. QB Joe Flacco, despite his heroics, has thrown five interceptions in his three starts with the Browns. This unit is stout and disciplined, but a takeaway or two would just be the cherry on top as the Browns continue to march toward a playoff spot.
Texans’ keys to victory: Pressure, pressure, pressure. The Browns are down both of their starting offensive tackles and played without their starting center and left guard against the Bears. DE Montez Sweat and the Bears were able to eat up this offensive line. As a result, Flacco threw three interceptions (one wasn’t his fault), and it took some late-game heroics to pull out the win. DEs Jonathan Greenard and Will Anderson Jr. (if he is healthy) must overwhelm the Cleveland tackles.
Matchup to watch: LT Laremy Tunsil vs. DE Myles Garrett. Garrett has gone four games without a sack despite leading the NFL in that span in pressures. He will be hungry to get home. Tunsil will pride himself on keeping his quarterback upright.
Who wins? This game almost entirely depends on whether QB C.J. Stroud (concussion) plays for the Texans. The Browns will find a way to win if QB Case Keenum has to start again, but overcoming Stroud and his aerial attack is a steep ask for an offense with key injuries at critical positions. Assuming Stroud plays ...
Texans, 21-20