Browns vs. Texans NFL playoff picks: Odds, preview and NFL Wild Card props for Saturday

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The Cleveland Browns head down to NRG Stadium in Houston to take on the Texans on Saturday, a game that pits the future of the quarterbacking position in C.J. Stroud against the power-armed veteran in Joe Flacco.

We’ve got you covered with the game odds, top props to consider, and same-game parlays for Browns vs. Texans in the Wild Card Round.

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NFL Playoffs odds, picks: Browns vs. Texans props, SGP and more

The Houston Texans’ quick turnaround has been remarkable, and has cemented quarterback C.J. Stroud as the top candidate for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, and DeMeco Ryans should receive heavy consideration for NFL Coach of the Year. Since the 2023 drafting of the rookie quarterback out of The Ohio State University, the Texans rank fifth in the league in passing yards with 4,578 in the regular season.

Stroud passed for 250 yards or more in nine games this season, including a career high with 470 yards against the Buccaneers. Houston being underdogs at home feels like a handicap against the veteran staff of the Browns, but expect the Texans and their offense to be completely in this game — and likely win it outright.

NFL Wild Card Round player props: Best Browns vs. Texans prop bets

This game features one of the NFL’s top passing defenses against an upstart offense — so who wins that battle? We dig into a few player props to consider for Saturday’s matchup between the Browns and the Texans.

Quarterback C.J. Stroud has logged a fantastic rookie campaign, but he has struggled against top flight passing defenses like the Browns. Against two other top five passing defenses in the Panthers and the Jets, Stroud only managed 140 and 91 yards in the air, respectively.

Cleveland tight end David Njoku has become somewhat of a safety valve for quarterback Joe Flacco, tallying 390 yards over his last five regular season games — including a 134 yard effort against the Jets in Week 17. His volume has been steady since Flacco came onboard and that should continue against the Texans.

What a revelation Joe Flacco has been for the Browns. In desperate need of a warm body to hold down the quarterback spot, the Browns turned to the veteran and he’s done nothing but deliver since he joined Cleveland. Flacco passed for over 300 yards in four of his five games this year, and should not slow down against Houston’s defense.

Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud notched 23 passing touchdowns this season, including six over the last five games of the season. Despite Cleveland’s chops in the defensive secondary, the passing attack should remain the focal point of the Texans’ offense — especially in the red zone.

Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper finished his regular season with a flourish against these Houston Texans, catching 11 of 15 targets for 265 yards and two touchdowns. Was that the dress rehearsal for Saturday’s postseason tilt? Bank on Cooper receiving the lion’s share of Cleveland’s targets.

NFL betting apps for Browns vs. Texans

Get a look at the best 2024 Super Bowl sportsbooks ahead of the big game on Feb. 11 in Las Vegas. 

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Catena Media provides exclusive sports betting content to FrontPageBets, including picks, analysis, tools and sportsbook offers to help bettors get in on the action. Please wager responsibly.

Carter Breazeale is a contributor for Catena Media with a focus on sports, business and the business of sports. An Atlanta native currently residing in Orlando, Carter graduated from The University of Central Florida. He’s appeared in Catena’s PlayGeorgia, SB Nation’s The Falcoholic, and The Orlando Business Journal.

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