Browns vs Texans prediction, preview, picks, betting odds

It's old school versus new school to kick off the NFL Playoffs with veteran Joe Flacco facing off against rookie C.J. Stroud. NFL Super Wild Card Weekend begins on Saturday afternoon with the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans squaring off down in the Lone Star State. NRG Stadium plays host to the second showdown between these two squads in a matter of weeks, this time for all of the marbles.

The AFC Wild Card Game is set to kick off at 3:30 CT from Houston, Texas. NBC will carry the national broadcast with Noah Eagle and Todd Blackledge on the call. FanDuel Sportsbook is favoring the visitors by 2 points with an over/under of 44.5.

Let's take a closer look at the odds and make a prediction for the Browns at Texans:

Cleveland Browns (11-6) at Houston Texans (10-7)

Time/TV: Saturday, Jan. 13, at 3:30 p.m. (NBC)

Spread: Browns -2

Over/Under: 44.5

Moneyline: Browns -136, Texans +116

Analysis: While some find it easy to look at the result on Christmas Eve and make a prediction, it's not quite that simple.

The Texans were without several key players for the contest, chief among them was superstar quarterback C.J. Stroud, who was dealing with a concussion. Others who missed the game in its entirety are Will Anderson and Blake Cashman, who are key pieces to DeMeco Ryans' defense. Further, safety Jimmie Ward was injured early on and Jalen Pitre sat most of the second half.

All of the aforementioned players — bar Ward — are set to suit up for the Wild Card clash against Cleveland. Houston gets a huge boost, but so do the Browns, who got a week to sit their starters in Week 18. Joe Flacco, Amari Cooper and Co. will be well-rested heading into the playoffs.

There is not too much between these two teams at near full strength truthfully.

Cooper — who tallied more than 250 yards receiving on Christmas Eve — likely won't replicate his incredible performance this time out. However, Cleveland will be chomping at the bit to get at a Texans rush defense that let Jonathan Taylor run for 188 yards last weekend.

Houston will surely move the ball better on offense with Stroud under center. Further, the Texans get some much-needed help out wide with the return of Robert Woods at receiver. The issues that need sorting out are on defense, and Ryans' unit seems to show up when needed.

I like the Texans in the rematch. Stroud is a difference-maker, Houston is at home and the hosts will have surely learned from the embarrassing loss last time out. It'll be close, though, and I think the 44.5-point total is a bit low.

Prediction: Texans 27, Browns 24 (Over 44.5)