Houston Texans at Cleveland Browns: 11/15/20 NFL Picks and Prediction

Defensively, Houston is allowing their opponents to average 30.3 ppg on 430.3 total yards per game (270.8 passing yds/g; 159.5 rushing yds/g).

The Cleveland Browns dropped to 5-3 on the season after being defeated by the Las Vegas Raiders, 16-6, on November 1st. Cleveland struggled offensively agianst the Raiders and couldn’t fight back after a Hunter Renfrow 4-yard TD reception gave the Raiders a 13-6 lead early in the 4th quarter. Cleveland was outgained by Las Vegas by a 309-223 margin and lost the turnover battle by a 1-0 margin in the loss. Leading the way for the Browns was RB Kareem Hunt who had 66 rushing yards on 14 carries.

On the season, Cleveland is averaging 25.8 ppg on 354.3 total yards per game (204.3 passing yds/g; 150.0 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Cleveland has been led by RB Nick Chubb who had 335 yards & 4 TD on 57 carries however, Chubb has missed the last 4 games due to a knee injury and although he should be coming off the IR this week, still is probably at best questionable for this one. RB Kareem Hunt has performed well as the lead back and has 529 yards & 3 TD on 115 carries while also hauling 18 receptions for 113 yards & 4 TD’s. QB Baker Mayfield has completed 61.4% of his passes for 1,514 yards (197.4 yds/g), 15 TD, & 7 INT. Mayfield is currently on the IR/COVID-19 list as of this past Sunday and is questionable. If Mayfield cannot go, it will be most likely Case Keenum behind center. The top receiving threats for the Browns have been Jarvis Landry (33 rec, 419 yards), Odell Beckham Jr. (23 rec, 319 yards, 4 TD), Austin Hooper (22 rec, 205 yards, TD), and Rashard Higgins 915 rec, 177 yards, 2 TD). Beckham Jr. is out for the season due to a torn ACL.

Defensively, Cleveland is allowing their opponents to an average of 29.6 ppg on 390.5 total yards per game (283.8 passing yds/g; 106.8 rushing yds/g).

The Texans are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win and 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog. The Brown are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a losing road record, however, are 0-8 ATS in their last 8 games after allowing more than 150 yards rushing in their previous game.

Cleveland comes into this game with a solid 5-3 record, however, I think this is a team that is heading in the wrong direction after being able to put up just 6 points against the Raiders prior to their bye week. Houston has had a tough season, with their only wins coming against Jacksonville, however, this is a team that has looked a bit better as of late and certainly have the best playmaker on the field in Deshaun Watson. Cleveland might be without Mayfield & Chubb (and even if they go, they won’t be 100%) and as I expect Houston to be able to put up some points in this one, I think the play here is to take the Texans and the points. Good Luck!