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The Cleveland Browns (9-5) look to push their winning streak to three games when they visit the Houston Texans (8-6) at NRG Stadium on Christmas Eve for an NFL Week 16 showdown.
The Browns remained in the playoff hunt with last week’s 20-17 victory over the Chicago Bears, highlighted by QB Joe Flacco’s 374-yard day under center. Meanwhile, the banged-up Texans held on for a 19-16 overtime win against the rival Tennessee Titans, keeping their postseason hopes alive in the process.
When it comes to who’ll represent the AFC at Super Bowl LVIII, these teams are in the middle of the pack. Cleveland has the sixth-best odds (+1800) to win this year’s AFC Championship Game while Houston sits seventh at +3300, per BetOnline.
In the meantime, let’s dive into everything you need to know before Sunday’s game, including my Browns vs Texans prediction and best bets.
Browns vs Texans Game Preview — NFL Week 16
Browns vs Texans Matchup Information
- Matchup: Cleveland Browns (9-5, 2-4 Away) vs. Houston Texans (8-6, 5-2 Home)
- Venue & Location: NRG Stadium (Houston, TX)
- Date: Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023
- Game Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Browns vs. Texans Week 16 TV Channel: CBS
Browns vs Texans Odds & Spread
Browns vs Texans odds courtesy of BetOnline as of Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 9:41 a.m. ET. Odds from other sportsbooks may also be mentioned in this article.
Browns vs Texans Spread
- Cleveland Browns +2.5 (-106)
- Houston Texans -2.5 (-114)
Browns vs Texans Over/Under
- Over 43 Points (-108)
- Under 43 Points (-112)
Browns vs Texans Moneyline
- Cleveland Browns (+120)
- Houston Texans (-140)
Updated Browns vs Texans Odds & Spread
Updated odds as of Sunday, Dec. 24 at 11:17 a.m. ET.
Updated Browns vs Texans Spread
- Cleveland Browns -3 (-110)
- Houston Texans +3 (-110)
Updated Browns vs Texans Over/Under
- Over 38.5 Points (-112)
- Under 38.5 Points (-108)
Updated Browns vs Texans Moneyline
- Cleveland Browns (-155)
- Houston Texans (+135)
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Browns vs Texans Betting Trends
- Cleveland is 9-0 straight up in its last nine games vs. the AFC South.
- Houston is 6-3 straight up in its last nine Week 16 matchups.
- Cleveland is 6-3 ATS in its last nine games played in December.
- Houston is 7-1 ATS in its last eight games vs. Cleveland.
- The total hit the Over in each of Cleveland’s last seven road games.
- The total hit the Under in five of Houston’s last six home games.
Browns vs Texans Prediction & Best Bet: NFL Week 16
The Browns have a pep in their step again, thanks to Flacco’s impact on the offense.
The 38-year-old signal-caller has injected some much-needed life into Cleveland’s aerial attack. Before his arrival, the Browns were averaging just 181.2 passing yards per contest — sixth-worst in the NFL. They’ve now averaged 298.3 passing yards in his first three starts, which is third-best in the league during that stretch.
There’s a good chance that Flacco will continue his strong play at NRG Stadium. The Texans allow 239.1 passing yards per game (8th-most) and also surrender the seventh-most passing yards at home. Even though Houston held Tennessee to 138 yards last week, that’s more of an anomaly than the rule.
Speaking of quarterbacks, there’s no indication if the Texans will have C.J. Stroud in the lineup. The 22-year-old was still in concussion protocol as of Monday, leaving his Week 16 ability up in the air. Assuming that he can’t play again, backup QB Case Keenum would likely start once again.
The Texans might be the betting favorites here, but they aren’t exactly easy to trust at this point. Houston has alternated between wins and losses for the last four weeks, having not won consecutive outings since Weeks 10 and 11.
On top of that, they’re 2-3 ATS in their last five games and 3-4 ATS at NRG Stadium this season.
The Browns, meanwhile, have covered the spread five times in their last seven games. Unfortunately, they tend to struggle to cover the spread on the road, going 1-4-1 ATS through six road names thus far.
Nevertheless, Cleveland has found success against the AFC South, winning nine straight games against the division. Houston can’t exactly say the same, though, having gone 2-8 SU in its last 10 encounters with an AFC North team. Interestingly enough, the Texans have also lost three straight games to the Browns by an average margin of 8.7 points.
The Browns haven’t been great on the road, but I have them winning this weekend. Flacco’s presence has taken the offense to the next level and I see them having more success against the Texans, who are bleeding passing yards. I’m just not sure Houston can win a shootout without Stroud.
With that in mind, I do like the Browns outright as the best bet. Not only is Flacco playing well, but Cleveland also has one of the best defenses in the NFL when it is on its game. After holding the Bears to 17 points on 236 total yards last week, I see the Browns holding the fort and getting the job done.
Browns vs Texans Prediction: CLE wins
Best Browns vs Texans Bet: CLE ML (+120)
Get 50% up to $1,000 on this pick over on BetOnline
Best Browns vs Texans Player Prop: NFL Week 16
When it comes to Browns vs. Texans player props, I love the idea of an Amari Cooper anytime touchdown.
The Browns WR is coming off one of his best performances of the year, having turned four catches into 109 yards and a touchdown in last week’s win over Chicago. He’s establishing some solid chemistry with Flacco and I see that continuing against the Texans, who are struggling to defend the pass.
With the Browns set to lean on the passing game again, I won’t be surprised if Cooper hits paydirt for the second straight week.
Best Browns vs Texans Player Prop: Amari Cooper Anytime Touchdown (+179)
Get 50% up to $1,000 on this pick over on BetOnline
Browns vs Texans Week 16 FAQ
When is Browns vs Texans?
- The Browns and Texans will collide on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023.
Where is Browns vs Texans?
- The Browns and Texans will play each other at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX.
What time does Browns vs Texans start?
- Kickoff for the upcoming CLE vs. HOU matchup is slated for 1 p.m. ET.
How can I watch Browns vs Texans?
- Browns and Texans fans can tune in to CBS for Sunday’s matchup.
How to Bet on Browns vs Texans
- Most reputable sportsbooks offer Browns vs. Texans betting markets and future NFL slates.
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