Cleveland Browns vs. Texans: Predictions on Baker Mayfield’s return to Texas
By Randy Gurzi
Writer: Randy Gurzi
Game: Cleveland Browns (4-6-1) at Houston Texans (8-3)
Summary: Earlier in the season this game didn’t look so bad. The Houston Texans were 0-3 and a mess on the field. Then, they got things figured out and have reeled off eight wins in a row and look like one of the most complete teams in the NFL. What makes them hard to stop on offense is their talented quarterback Deshaun Watson, who they actually acquired in the 2017 NFL Draft after trading up with the Browns. Watson has become one of the better young passers in the game, and can also kill a team with his legs.
He doesn’t do it alone though as he has one of the best wideouts in the league in DeAndre ‘Nuk’ Hopkins. This is a receiver who excels at making highlight-reel catches in coverage and is inching into the discussion as one of the top-3 guys — if he isn’t already there. On defense, they’re led by J.J. Watt, who is suddenly healthy and becoming impossible to block.
Even with all that being said, the Browns have no reason to head into NRG Stadium afraid. They’re on a two-game winning streak and really it wasn’t close in either win. They picked apart both the Atlanta Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals, which gives them a ton of confidence headed into this one.
Baker Mayfield is playing exceptional football and the Browns running game is as good as any, which can keep the Texans linemen guessing all day. The x-factor in this one will be David Njoku. The past two weeks, Houston has given up big yardage to Jonnu Smith and Jordan Reed. If Njoku can also exploit this issue, it could help the Browns control the clock and sneak away with a narrow victory. All streaks have to end eventually. Last week, the Browns ended their own long road losing streak. This week, it’s the Texans who see a streak end.
Prediction: Cleveland 28, Houston 24