Rookie quarterbacks in the NFL are often chewed up and spit out. They face the long odds of complicated systems and superior opponents. Plus, if a rookie is starting at QB, it’s usually because his team is bad. Namely, CJ Stroud has busted all of those expectations with the NFL odds. Stroud will lead the once-woeful Houston Texans to the NFL Playoffs on Saturday against another upstart. The Cleveland Browns have ridden old man Joe Flacco to a surprise playoff run. Flacco resurrected his career after being forgotten.
Cleveland Browns vs. Houston Texans NFL Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Saturday, January 13, 2024, 4:39 p.m. ET. |
|---|---|
| Location: | NRG Stadium, Houston, TX. |
| TV Coverage: | NBC/Peacock |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Browns | -2½ -120 | 44 -110 | -145 |  |
| Texans | +2½ EV | 44 -110 | +125 | |
| ||||
Cleveland Browns Team Overview
Last game, the Cleveland Browns lost 31-14 against the Cincinnati Bengals as 7-point road dogs. The game went over the total of 36.5. Cleveland has a record of 11-6 straight up, 11-6 against the spread, and 10-6-1 over/under the total. Cleveland ranks 16th for total offense, 19th for passing, 12th for rushing, and 11th for scoring. Defensively, they rank 1st overall, 1st against the pass, 11th against the rush, and 14th for points allowed. Also, Cleveland ranks 32nd for the fewest turnovers lost and 10th for takeaways.
Last week, the Browns rested key players in what was a meaningless game for them. Namely, Joe Flacco, Myles Garrett, Amari Cooper, and Denzel Ward did not play.
Flacco is one of the great online betting comeback stories in the NFL. Correlate he was forced to take over when starting QB Deshaun Watson was lost to injury. Flacco posted a 90.2 QBR with a 13/8 TD/INT ratio. Flacco, age 38, won his last four starts to lead Cleveland to the playoffs.
Amari Cooper is the Browns top receiver with 72 catches, 1250 yards, 17.4 yards per catch, and five TDs. The former Dallas Cowboy has been a perfect fit at Cleveland, where he posted the highest YPC of his career. Additionally, tight end David Njoku adds 81 catches for 882 yards and six TDs. Last week’s loss snapped a 4-game payout streak for Cleveland.
Houston Texans Team Overview
Last game, the Houston Texans won 23-19 against the Indianapolis Colts as 1-road favorites. The game went under the total of 47. Houston has a record of 10-7 straight up, 9-8 against the spread, and 6-11 over/under the total. Houston ranks 12th for total offense, 7th for passing, 22nd for rushing, and 13th for scoring. Defensively, they rank 14th overall, 23rd against the pass, 6th against the rush, and 11th for points allowed. Also, Houston ranks 1st for fewest turnovers lost and 19th for takeaways.
Overall, CJ Stroud threw for 264 yards and two TDs to clinch a playoff spot for the Houston Texans. Stroud finished a phenomenal rookie campaign with 4108 yards passing, a 23/5 TD/INT ratio, and a 100.8 QB rating.
Meanwhile, Devin Singletary Devin Singletary ran for 898 yards, 4.2 yards per carry, with four TDs and 41 first downs. Nico Collins caught a team-best 80 passes for 1297 yards, 16.2 YPC and eight TDs.
Late on, Houston got the cash in four of its most recent six games.
Browns at Texans SBG Free Picks
In this situation, the home field should be the NFL betting odds difference. CJ Stroud has quickly emerged as an impact QB.
Browns at Texans SBG Best Bet: Houston Texans.