With Week 13 of the NFL schedule rapidly approaching, Deshaun Watson’s suspension ends, and Cleveland fans will see their new QB in action on Sunday. Regardless of your opinions about the situation, everyone knows that Watson will make Cleveland a better team if he plays as he did in Houston. Cleveland fans have reason to be excited, as the Brown aim to end the season on a high note.
Cleveland Browns vs. Houston Texans Game Info and Analysis
Matchup Info
Neither the Browns nor the Texans are having great seasons though I don’t know if either of the teams expected themselves to do good. The Browns knew they’d be without their newly acquired QB, and the Texans knew their roster.
All jokes aside, the Texans are in a conscious rebuild after having shipped out all of the stars that had brought them success a few seasons ago. Though they probably expected to be a little bit more competitive, it’s not like their current situation wasn’t ever an option.
Cleveland Browns Performance Recap and Analysis
The Browns are coming into Week 13 off of an overtime win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That game was Jacoby Brissett’s last planned start of the season as the Browns turn the keys over to Deshaun Watson, who is coming off his 11-game suspension and looks to play his first game of the Browns’ schedule 2022-23.
Though the chances of Cleveland making the playoffs is low, as the Browns currently sit at 4-7 and towards the bottom of the NFL standings, Watson will at least be able to get some game reps in with his new team before the 2023 season.
Watson will be a big help to the team if he puts up the same NFL player stats as he did in Houston. Cleveland already has one of the best rushing attacks in the game, ranking 5th in the league in rush yards per game and 7th for yards per rush.
However, Watson must carry a struggling defense that ranks 30th in points allowed per game. If Watson can add massive output to the offense, then Cleveland may be poised to end the season on a high note.
Key Injuries
Ten players for the Browns are currently on the injured reserve list. Cornerbacks Greg Newsome II and AJ Green are also listed as questionable on the NFL injury report.
Betting Trends to Know
Watson is 26-25-2 against the spread in his NFL career so far.
Houston Texans Performance Recap and Analysis
You have to feel at least a little sympathy for Texans fans. This team is absolutely abysmal, and their 1-9-1 record has the Houston Texans standings in dead last of the NFL. With a roster that leaves a lot to be desired, it shouldn’t be surprising that the Texans’ NFL team stats aren’t anywhere close to what fans would like.
The Houston Texans offense is ranked 31st in the league in points per game and dead last in the league in yards earned per game. They are having a horrible time moving the ball, converting on 3rd down only 28.06% of the time. The worst part is that even if they get the ball to the red zone, they will only score a touchdown 44.83% of the time.
All of this while the defense ranks 23rd in points allowed per game and 29th in yards allowed per game.
Key Injuries
Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. is listed as questionable, and so is linebacker Christian Harris. Also of note, Rex Burkhead entered the concussion protocol earlier this week, so his status is up in the air.
Betting Trends to Know
The Texans are 4-6-1 against the spread this year but are on a 3-game losing streak. Watch this trend when making your Browns vs Texans betting picks.
Cleveland Browns vs. Houston Texans Odds
The NFL odds currently have the Cleveland Browns at -7 point favorites. The moneyline for the Browns is -325, while the comeback on the Texans is +270. The point total is set at 47 points.
Cleveland Browns vs. Houston Texans Betting Picks
Moneyline (CLE -325)
Though I expect the Browns’ offense to have a few miscues throughout the game, especially early on, I think Cleveland gets this done easily. Watson is lucky that this is his tune-up game, as he couldn’t have asked for a better opponent to regain his bearings against.
Over/Under (U 47)
Though I see Cleveland putting up quite a few points, I don’t see how Houston’s offense is going to follow suit. When it comes to my Browns vs Texans betting picks, this one is definitely my favorite, as I really see the output coming from Cleveland.
Spread (CLE -7)
I believe that the Browns are poised to come out and have a great game against their new QBs old team. I expect output from only one team in this game which is one of the more one-sided NFL matchups this week.
Cleveland Browns vs. Houston Texans Score Prediction
I have made all of my Browns vs Texans betting picks around my predicted game score in which the Browns defeat the Texans 27-6.
NFL Pick: CLE -325, U 47, CLE -7
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