The Houston Texans<\/a> might need the offensive rookie of the 12 months, defensive rookie of the 12 months and coach of the 12 months after returning to the playoffs for the primary time since 2019.
Within the wild card spherical, they host the Cleveland Browns<\/a>, who might need one of the best protection within the NFL. The Browns completed the season with a four-game profitable streak earlier than resting their starters within the common season finale. They’re making their return to the postseason since 2020.
This season, DeMeco Ryans led the Texans to their first AFC South title behind first-round picks C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr.
Joe Flacco joined the Browns from his sofa after the group went via a collection of accidents to their quarterbacks. They captured a wild card berth.
Of their lone matchup of the common season, Cleveland beat Houston 36-22 behind a franchise-record 265 receiving yards from Amari Cooper<\/a>. Stroud was out with a concussion.
NFL STATS CENTRAL:<\/strong> The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.<\/a>
PROP TALK:<\/strong> These are the best prop bets for NFL games this week<\/a>\u00a0
The Browns are favorites to defeat the Texans, in keeping with the BetMGM NFL odds<\/a>. Trying to wager? Try the best mobile sports betting apps<\/a> providing NFL betting promos in 2023<\/a>, together with the brand new ESPN BET app<\/a> and the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code<\/a>.
Not on this recreation? Our information to NFL betting odds, picks and spreads<\/a> has you coated with the complete slate of playoff motion. It’s also possible to stay up for the large recreation with the best Super Bowl betting promos<\/a>.
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NFL playoff schedule:<\/strong>Dates, times, TV info from wild-card round to Super Bowl 58<\/a>
AFC: Texans vs. Browns<\/a> | Chiefs vs. Dolphins<\/a> | Bills vs. Steelers<\/a>
NFC: Cowboys vs. Packers<\/a> | Lions vs. Rams<\/a> | Buccaneers vs. Eagles<\/a>
Final time these groups performed in Week 16, Joe Flacco struggled when Houston performed him in zone protection and I anticipate Cleveland to have adjusted. The Browns obtained to relaxation starters and ought to be contemporary, their protection is among the finest within the league and, although Houston didn\u2019t have C.J. Stroud accessible in that Week 16 recreation, its youth might take a while to get adjusted to the stage.
The Texans handed their first must-win check in what was a playoff-type surroundings in Indy. Now they’re at house towards a Browns group with the stingiest protection within the NFL. The Browns beat the C.J. Stroud-less Texans in Week 16. Stroud can be within the lineup Saturday and his presence underneath heart goes to make a giant distinction. This recreation goes to be a major check for the younger upstart Texans, however like a lot of the common season, they\u2019ll be up for the duty.
C.J. Stroud was sidelined when Joe Flacco and Amari Cooper torched the Texans in Houston 36-22 on Christmas Eve, however that gained\u2019t occur once more this week. Positive, the Texans have the youth and the Browns have the expertise, however Houston will take its classes realized from their final matchup to win at house of their wildcard matchup Saturday.\u00a0
The Browns have extra veteran expertise behind Joe Flacco and their protection is among the finest within the league this 12 months, however C.J. Stroud didn\u2019t play of their first matchup and the rookie is using sky-high proper now. The Texans have all of the momentum on the planet after their shocking AFC South title and have contemporary power from first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans and their stud rookie quarterback.
The fightin\u2019 Flacco\u2019s have been among the best groups within the NFL in latest weeks and ripped aside a C.J. Stroud-less Texans group three weeks in the past. Houston can be higher this time round, however the younger squad isn\u2019t in a position to overcome the Cleveland protection at house.\u00a0
You possibly can view the complete record of USA TODAY’s NFL skilled predictions here<\/a>.
NFL Week 18 winners, losers:<\/strong>Eagles enter playoffs in a tailspin<\/a>
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