1:03 pm
November 15

Texans @ Browns

Who will WIN this matchup?

Houston Texans (2-6)

@ Cleveland Browns (5-3)

 

Current odds:

Houston Texans: (+175)

Cleveland Browns: (-200)

 

• The line for this game is Cleveland by 4 points.

• Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield served as the most high-profile addition to practice this week, but he wasn’t alone in providing the team a boost by simply being present. The Browns (5-3) returned from their open week re-energized and by a roster largely intact. When Cleveland hosts the Houston Texans (2-6) on Sunday at FirstEnergy Stadium, it will do so with many of their key cogs back in the fold offensively. Not only did Mayfield return from the reserve/COVID-19 list, the Browns also welcomed back running back Nick Chubb (knee) and guard Wyatt Teller (calf). Coming out of the bye, the timing is ideal.

• Chubb produced 335 rushing yards and four touchdowns prior to his departure in the second quarter of Week 4 against the Dallas Cowboys. He was the bell cow of a rushing attack that ranks fifth in the NFL with 1,200 yards and is fourth at 5.0 yards per rushing attempt. Kareem Hunt (529 yards, three touchdowns) has produced with Chubb sidelined, but the Browns are far more potent with both backs available and serving as complements to Mayfield.

• For the Texans, dealing with Chubb and Hunt only exacerbates their concerns defensively. Houston ranks last in the league in rushing defense, allowing 159.5 yards per game. They’re next to last in yards allowed (1,276 yards) and yards per carry (5.1). Only five teams have surrendered more than the Texans’ 11 rushing touchdowns. Their season-long woes stopping the run offers a daunting dovetail as Chubb returns to action.

• The Texans will likely be without their leading rusher David Johnson following his concussion in their 27-25 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday. Duke Johnson ably filled in, and the Texans feel confident that he can manage the workload should he be required to do so again.

• Starting guard Senio Kelemete (concussion), LB Dylan Cole (back) and DE Charles Omenihu (hamstring) also sat out Wednesday’s practice for Houston.

6/10
Confidence
StreakSmarter Pick
Cleveland Browns
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