Cleveland Favored Over Houston in Wild Card | Browns vs. Texans | OSB
NFL Wild Card: Cleveland Browns (11-6) at Houston Texans (10-7)
By Sam Batz
When: Saturday, January 13th at 4:30 PM EST
Where: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
Watch On: NBC
Matchup: Cleveland Browns vs. Houston Texans
The NFL playoffs are finally here, and this Saturday the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans will kickoff in the first game of the 2024 postseason. It’s the Wild Card round, meaning these teams will need to win three games in order to reach the Super Bowl, but like every NFL playoff game in history, it’s win or go home. The Cleveland Browns earned their spot by finishing 11-6, and are in the playoffs for the first time since 2020. The Houston Texans finished at 10-7, winning the AFC South and securing a playoff spot for the first time since 2019.
The Texans get home field advantage because they won the division, but the Browns won’t mind, because they remember what happened the last time they were in Houston. In Week 16, Cleveland marched into NRG Stadium and beat the Texans 36-22 behind a brilliant performance from veteran QB Joe Flacco (368 yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 interceptions). Cleveland looked dominant, but in that game Houston was without their best weapon, and presumed Rookie of the Year, QB C.J. Stroud. Stroud defied expectations this season, recording 4,108 yards (8th), 23 touchdowns (T-13th), and only 5 interceptions, and he’ll play a pivotal role in Saturday’s Wild Card contest.
The Browns are favored by 2.5 points, but this one could go either way. Keep reading for our Browns vs. Texans predictions, including stats, scores, and betting advice on everything from the moneyline to player props. We will help you navigate the odds, and I’ll provide helpful betting tips so that you walk away with a great payout in this Browns vs. Texans Wild Card matchup.
Browns vs. Texans Odds
Team | Spread | Total (O/U) | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
Cleveland Browns | -2.5 (-115) | Ov 44.5 (-110) | -150 |
Houston Texans | +2.5 (-105) | Un 44.5 (-110) | +126 |
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Browns vs. Texans Odds Breakdown
If you take the Texans Moneyline (+126): You can bet $100 to profit $126, for a total payout of $226, if the Texans win.
If you take the Browns Moneyline (-150): You can risk $150 to win $100, for a total payout of $250, if the Browns win.
If you take the Texans to Cover the +2.5 Point Spread (-105): You can risk $105 to win $100, for a total payout of $205, if the Texans win the game, or lose by fewer than 2.5 points.
If you take the Browns to Cover the -2.5 Point Spread (-115): You can risk $115 to win $100, for a total payout of $215, if the Browns win the game by at least 2.5 points.
If you take the Over on the 44.5 point total (-110): You can risk $110 to win $100, for a total payout of $210, if the Browns and Texans combine for more than 44.5 total points.
If you take the Under on the 44.5 point total (-110): You can risk $110 to win $100, for a total payout of $210, if the Browns and Texans combine for fewer than 44.5 total points.
Browns vs. Texans Betting Trends
Cleveland Browns
- 10-6-1 ATS this season
- 2-5-1 ATS on the road
- 10-6-1 O/U record on the season
- 8-0 O/U record on the road
- 9-1 as FAVORITES this season
- 2-1 as FAVORITES on the road
Houston Texans
- 9-7-1 ATS this season
- 4-4-1 ATS at home
- 6-11 O/U record on the season
- 3-6 O/U record at home
- 5-4 as UNDERDOGS this season
- 2-2 as UNDERDOGS at home
Browns vs. Texans: Best Player Prop
Dalton Shultz, Texans TE; Prop Bet: O/U 38.5 receiving yards
Prediction: OVER (-125)
Dalton Shultz had a good season in his first year as a Houston Texan. He finished with: 59 receptions, 635 yards (42.3 per game) and 5 touchdowns. Shultz is a capable tight end, but his receiving prop is the best because of the matchup. The Browns have struggled against tight ends. They rank 17th against the position and allowed 62.8 yards to tight ends in their last 5, which includes a 61-yard outing from Shultz himself. C.J. Stroud will be under intense pressure from Cleveland’s defensive front, and Shultz will be his best option for quick dump offs. The Texns tight end is going to have a busy day, so take the over on Shultz’s 38.5 receiving yards prop bet.
Browns vs. Texans Game Predictions
It’s rookie C.J. Stroud versus veteran Joe Flacco in the first round of the postseason, and in a game this important, I’m going with experience. Take the Cleveland Browns to win this game. Cleveland’s defense is going to be a problem for C.J. Stroud. The Browns rank No. 1 on defense, allowing just 270.2 total yards per game. More significantly, the Browns only allow 164.7 passing yards per game, the lowest average in the NFL. Houston relies on their passing game to move the ball, but Cleveland’s secondary won’t allow that, and the Texans playoff run will come to an abrupt end on Saturday.
Moneyline Pick: Cleveland Browns (-150)
ATS Pick: Cleveland Browns (-2.5)
O/U Pick: Under (44.5)
Prediction: Browns 23; Texans 20
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