The NFL playoffs will begin with none other than the Houston Texans and the Cleveland Browns. That still doesn’t sound quite right.
The first AFC wild-card game will be fought between one of the most impressive rookie QBs we’ve seen in some time and a former Super Bowl champ who caught fire in a pinch.
Yes, CJ Stroud and Joe Flacco are set to deliver the goods.
With plenty to unpack ahead of Saturday’s first game, let’s dive in. And don’t forget to check out all of the NFL wild card odds.
Browns vs Texans Odds
NFL odds used for this Cleveland vs Houston preview were found at DraftKings Sportsbook and are current as of Jan. 9 at 10 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Browns (-142) • Texans (+120)
- Spread: Browns -2.5 (-120) • Texans +2.5 (+100)
- Total Points: Over 44.5 (-112) • Under 44.5 (-108)
- Implied Score: Browns 23.5, Texans 21
Browns vs Texans Predictions
Score Pick: Browns 27, Texans 20
For as strange as this matchup would have sounded earlier this year, the excitement, curiosity, and intrigue is genuine.
The fact that Flacco is favored on the road speaks volumes about his form, and he should play well once again.
The Browns’ clunker against the Cincinnati Bengals last time out was a clunker by design. The starters sat and got healthy, and that should pay dividends.
Houston, meanwhile, triumphed in a tight, must-win game against the Indianapolis Colts. Outside of the first play, when Stroud connected on a long touchdown pass, things never seemed quite right for the visiting team.
The Texans, of course, are plenty capable. But when they played this very team at this very stadium a few weeks ago, they allowed 36 points in a loss. Browns wideout Amari Cooper ran wild in that game, and the hope is that he will be ready to go.
This Cleveland team has juice, and although this result won’t be as lopsided as the one we saw on Christmas Eve, the Browns will still pull off a road win.
Browns vs Texans Best Bets & Props
Browns -2.5 (-115)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
The last outcome between these two teams isn’t the driving force behind this decision. Cleveland won four of its last five games, and the lone loss came with the backups on the field.
The fact that the Browns dipped under three is a gift, although I’d like them at that number as well.
Houston is a great story, and the future is incredibly promising. But this will be Cleveland’s win (again). With a favorable line in hand and plenty of momentum, this is my NFL bet of the day.
Browns Over 22.5 (-165)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
We’re picking a number that has some cushion given where this game will likely end.
Should the Browns do better than this? Absolutely.
Cleveland should be able to score more points, although 22.5 (with decent juice attached) will work just fine in this instance.
As long as Flacco doesn’t become turnover prone, which is a concern if you plan to ride the Browns in any capacity, this number should be easily surpassed.
Browns First to 10 Points (-135)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
Excluding the last game, which was played without starters, the Browns reached 10 points first before three of their previous four opponents.
They have started fast. In fact, against this exact team, they started very fast. Given the other bets on the docket, we’re leaning into Flacco, coupled with a stable of underappreciated running backs. A week of rest for an experienced team should also be a potent elixir.
Sure, the Texans were tremendous early on last week. But after a thrilling first score, this unit slowed down. Cleveland hits double digits first.
Browns vs Texans Same-Game Parlay
Browns vs Texans SGP (+236)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
- Browns -2.5 (-115)
- Browns Over 22.5 (-160)
- Over 44.5 (-110)
For this parlay, we’re adding the over into the mix. While Houston might not end up with the same output as the Browns, Stroud is too talented to keep off the scoreboard for the whole game.
The remaining picks are referenced above. Cleveland will beat the Texans, and it will do so with a solid serving of touchdowns.
Although this isn’t oozing with value, the Browns Over is a safer play, and a Cleveland win feels like it will come with an abundance of points.
