Cleveland Browns at Houston Texans: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL wild card game
The Houston Texans might have the offensive rookie of the year, defensive rookie of the year and coach of the year after returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2019.
In the wild card round, they host the Cleveland Browns, who might have the best defense in the NFL. The Browns finished the season with a four-game winning streak before resting their starters in the regular season finale. They are making their return to the postseason since 2020.
This season, DeMeco Ryans led the Texans to their first AFC South title behind first-round picks C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr.
Joe Flacco joined the Browns from his couch after the team went through a series of injuries to their quarterbacks. They captured a wild card berth.
In their lone matchup of the regular season, Cleveland beat Houston 36-22 behind a franchise-record 265 receiving yards from Amari Cooper. Stroud was out with a concussion.
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Texans vs. Browns odds, moneyline, over/under
The Browns are favorites to defeat the Texans, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023, including the new ESPN BET app and the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.
Spread: Browns (-2.5)
Moneyline: Browns (-145); Texans (+120)
Over/under: 44.5
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NFL Wild Card odds, predictions and picks
AFC: Texans vs. Browns | Chiefs vs. Dolphins | Bills vs. Steelers
NFC: Cowboys vs. Packers | Lions vs. Rams | Buccaneers vs. Eagles
Lorenzo Reyes: Browns 24, Texans 17
Last time these teams played in Week 16, Joe Flacco struggled when Houston played him in zone coverage and I expect Cleveland to have adjusted. The Browns got to rest starters and should be fresh, their defense is one of the best in the league and, even though Houston didn’t have C.J. Stroud available in that Week 16 game, its youth could take some time to get adjusted to the stage.
Tyler Dragon: Texans 21, Browns 20
The Texans passed their first must-win test in what was a playoff-type environment in Indy. Now they are at home against a Browns team with the stingiest defense in the NFL. The Browns beat the C.J. Stroud-less Texans in Week 16. Stroud will be in the lineup Saturday and his presence under center is going to make a big difference. This game is going to be a significant test for the young upstart Texans, but like most of the regular season, they’ll be up for the task.
Safid Deen: Texans 24, Browns 20
C.J. Stroud was sidelined when Joe Flacco and Amari Cooper torched the Texans in Houston 36-22 on Christmas Eve, but that won’t happen again this week. Sure, the Texans have the youth and the Browns have the experience, but Houston will take its lessons learned from their last matchup to win at home in their wildcard matchup Saturday.
Victoria Hernandez: Texans 27, Browns 24
The Browns have more veteran experience behind Joe Flacco and their defense is one of the best in the league this year, but C.J. Stroud didn’t play in their first matchup and the rookie is riding sky-high right now. The Texans have all the momentum in the world after their surprising AFC South title and have fresh energy from first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans and their stud rookie quarterback.
Jordan Mendoza: Browns 29, Texans 24
The fightin’ Flacco’s have been one of the best teams in the NFL in recent weeks and ripped apart a C.J. Stroud-less Texans team three weeks ago. Houston will be better this time around, but the young squad isn’t able to overcome the Cleveland defense at home.
You can view the full list of USA TODAY's NFL expert predictions here.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cleveland Browns at Houston Texans: Playoff game predictions, picks and odds
