I am sure this matchup was not on many lists at the start of the season. Cleveland and Houston meet in an AFC Wild Card clash. The Browns come in at 11-6 overall and against the number. Finished the season at 10-7 SU and 9-8 ATS. The Browns played really well down the stretch going 4-1 over their last five games, the only loss being the last game of the season while they rested players. Joe Flacco led a Cleveland offense that averaged 27.6 points over their final five and this season they scored 23.3 points per game overall. The Cleveland defense allowed 21.3 points per game. They led the NFL in total yards allowed at 270.2 per game. The Texans also were good down the stretch, going 3-1 over their last four games to win the AFC South behind a rookie quarterback. The Texan's offense averaged 22.2 points per game and the defense allowed 20.8 points per game. These teams met on Christmas Eve, and the Browns came away with a 36-22 win. Flacco threw for 368 yards three touchdowns and two interceptions. The Texans played the game with C.J. Stroud in this game. Stroud will be making his first playoff start and does not have history on his side. Quarterbacks making their first postseason appearance are 27-50 straight-up and 30-46-1 against the spread since 2002. Flacco has been here before and if he can limit interceptions he should be able to throw against a Texans defense that is 23rd against the pass. Stroud finished with the eighth-most sacks taken even though he played in only 15 games and I think the Browns defense will be able to pressure on Stroud throughout the game. The Browns, 8-1 SU and 7-2 ATS as favorites this season.

Play on Cleveland. This is a 3% play