The Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans face off on Sunday in an NFL showdown at NRG Stadium. When these two teams faced off in 2021 it was the Browns that secured the 31-21 victory.
The Cleveland Browns come into this game with a 4-7 record, and they have gone 5-6 against the spread. In the last game against Tampa Bay, it took overtime, but they were able to secure the 23-17 victory. Nick Chubb had a big game, finishing with 26 carries for 116 yards and a touchdown. Jacoby Brissett also had a solid game through the air, but he will be moved to the bench for this game. Deshaun Watson will get the start, even though there is still a ton of controversy surrounding him. The Browns are averaging 23.9 points, while their defense is giving up 26 points per game.
On the other side of this matchup is the Texans, who sit with a 1-9-1 record, and they have gone 4-6-1 against the spread. In the last game against the Miami Dolphins they were down 30-0 at halftime, and although they made a bit of a comeback in the second half, it wasn’t enough as they were defeated 30-15. Quarterback Kyle Allen completed 26 of his 39 passes for 215 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Dameon Pierce finished with five carries for eight yards. Even though Allen had two interceptions in the last start, he’s expected to get the start again in this game. Houston is averaging 15.8 points, while their defense is giving up 23.6 points per game.
The Browns are 0-4 against the spread in their last four games against a team with a losing record. The over is 6-1-1 in the Brown's last eight games against the AFC. The over is 6-1 in the Brown's last 7 games after accumulating more than 150 yards rushing in their previous game.
Watson hasn’t played yet this year, and I think there is going to be some rust. Allen had the turnovers in the last game, but he still threw for 215 yards, and the Texans' offense is going to find success here. It might not be enough to win the game, but it’s going to be enough to keep the game close. Back the Texans against the spread.