Return of Watson Overshadows Game
Before the season kicked off, many circled Week 13’s Cleveland Browns vs. Houston Texans matchup. Eyes won’t be on this game for excellent play or high stakes. Cleveland (4-7) comes off an important 23-17 OT win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but it is 1-2 against the spread (ATS) over the last three games. Houston (1-9-1) is the NFL’s worst team, going 1-5 ATS in the last six.
This game draws attention due to quarterback Deshaun Watson’s controversial return from an 11-game suspension. Watson’s Brown’s debut generates enough talk, and facing his former team on the road heightens it.
Let’s check the latest NFL odds, stats, injury reports, and NFL lines for Browns vs Texans. We’ve plenty of Vegas NFL odds and NFL week 13 picks for you to consider.
Browns vs Texans Betting Lines
Peek into Cleveland’s Future
Drama has swirled around Watson for over a year. His return is controversial, and rightfully so. From a football perspective, this is a huge game for the Cleveland Browns. They gave up three first-round picks and fully guaranteed Watson’s $230 million contract, which drew even more criticism. Cleveland is fully committed to winning, at any cost.
Watson’s return will give a glimpse at the Browns’ future. There is no guarantee the three-time Pro Bowler can return to a top-five level after sitting out the 2021 season. But if he does, Cleveland will be a potential contender for years to come.
Against Houston, Watson will probably be a downgrade compared to backup QB Jacoby Brissett, who has been solid. He is going to be quite rusty, so the Browns will likely lean on the run game.
Cleveland has not fared well on the road. The Browns are 1-3 in away games and 0-2 ATS in the last two.
Scoop on Free Play from the Locker Room
Texans Must Fill Hole at QB
With Watson visiting, the Houston Texans are still searching for answers at quarterback. The starting job fell into Davis Mills’ lap last season. Mills was up and down in his rookie season and showed some promise. However, he has declined, causing Houston to bench the second-year signal-caller.
Kyle Allen started and struggled in the 30-15 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 12. Since rookie running back Dameon Pierce’s emergence, opposing defenses are heavily stacking the box, daring the Texans to throw the ball. Over the last five games, Houston is averaging only 13.6 points and has gone under in three straight. The Texans are on a fast track to drafting a QB with the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. But for now, Houston has no answers on offense, ranking 31st in points per game and last in yards per game.
Browns vs Texans Game Injuries
Browns vs Texans Head-to-Head
The Browns have won back-to-back games against the Texans, but Cleveland has lost five consecutive games in Houston. Also, the Texans have covered seven consecutive games against the Browns.
Browns vs Texans Game Information
- Game: Browns vs Texans
- Date: Sunday, Dec. 4
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
- How to watch Browns vs Texans? CBS
Browns vs Texans Live Stream: NFL Game Pass
Browns vs Texans Game Weather Conditions
The Browns and Texans will be shielded from the elements thanks to the domed NRG Stadium.
Browns vs Texans Picks & Prediction
Predicted Score: Browns 20, Texans 16
- Worth betting on the Moneyline?
Houston could generate a big payday at +270. However, backing a one-win team that has back-to-back losses by double digits is risky. The Browns rank fifth in rushing yards per game and Houston is last in run defense. Cleveland should win regardless of Watson’s rust, thanks to a dominant run game. However, the Browns offer little profit at -320. Avoid the moneyline.
- Worth Betting ATS?
Look for the Texans to continue their ATS hot streak against the Browns. Houston’s entire offense hinges on Pierce’s success. Fortunately for Houston, Cleveland has one of the NFL’s worst run defenses, ranking 26th in allowed yards per carry.
- Worth Betting on the Totals?
The total will depend on Cleveland’s sporadic defense. If it shows up, this will surely hit the under. With both offenses leaning on the run, the game should be shortened, leading to fewer points. Go with the under.
- Tempting Props?
No surprises here. The run game has been frequently mentioned, so lean on Pierce and Nick Chubb props. Both are playing weak run defenses, and QB play could be an issue for both teams.
The odds and predictions in the article are based on the time of writing and publication. They may differ as to when the actual event takes place.
Browns vs Texans Trends
Browns vs Texans Edge
Browns vs Texans Results
Browns vs Texans Game Summary
