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Cleveland Browns vs. Texans: Predictions on Baker Mayfield’s return to Texas

By Randy Gurzi

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 15: Rashard Higgins #81 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates with Seth DeValve #87 after a touchdown in the fourth quarter defended by Marcus Gilchrist #21 of the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 15: Rashard Higgins #81 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates with Seth DeValve #87 after a touchdown in the fourth quarter defended by Marcus Gilchrist #21 of the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 11: Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates defeating the Atlanta Falcons at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns won 28 to 16. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 11: Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates defeating the Atlanta Falcons at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns won 28 to 16. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Writer: Casey Kinnamon

Game: Cleveland Browns (4-6-1) at Houston Texans (8-3)

The Cleveland Browns travel to the Lonestar state to take on the surging Houston Texans. The Browns will be looking to extend their two-game winning streak and bring the Texans eight-game winning streak to an end. This will be the biggest measuring stick the Browns will have in their final five games.

This game will be billed as Baker Mayfield vs Deshaun Watson, and for good reason. They are two of the most promising franchise quarterbacks in the NFL, and this could be an exciting rivalry in the making.

The most important matchups, though not as flashy, will take place on the offensive and defensive lines for both teams. The Texans have one of the most formidable defensive lines in the league. Watt, Clowney, and Co. will be looking to rattle Mayfield and take advantage of their matchups with the Browns tackles. The Texans have a stout run defense, but the Browns must stick with the running game to keep Houston’s pass rush honest.

The Texans defense’s weakest link is their linebacking corp. Freddie Kitchens should look to dial up some plays to get Duke Johnson and David Njoku some mismatches against them. If the Browns are able to establish a running game, play action will be a valuable weapon in this matchup.

Myles Garrett will need to have his best game of the season if the Browns are going to leave Houston with a win. The Texans left tackle Julie’n Davenport has struggled all season, giving up both the most pressures and the most penalties in the league this year. The Texans will be forced to leave their running backs in to chip Garrett.

The Texans player to watch this week is DeAndre Hopkins. The All-Pro receiver is having a phenomenal season with 73 catches (0 drops), 1,024 yards, and 8 touchdowns. Slowing down Hopkins will be critical to the Browns success this week. Expect Denzel Ward to draw that assignment.

Next. Rather have Watson or Mayfield?. dark

With a win this week the Browns would enter uncharted territory, playing meaningful football games in the month of December. What a concept.

Prediction: Browns 27 Houston 24

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