Browns vs. Texans: Prediction and odds for Week 13
By Randy Gurzi
The Cleveland Browns head to Houston and will have Deshaun Watson under center for the first time. Who is favored to win this one?
For many Cleveland Browns fans, this is the week they’ve been waiting for. Deshaun Watson has been reinstated by the NFL and is set to make his debut with his new franchise. As fate would have it, that debut will come against the Houston Texans, who employed Watson from 2017 through 2021.
Of course, much of the storyline will center on Watson’s off-field issues which include 24 cases of sexual misconduct allegations. That has been covered in-depth and will continue to be discussed but here, we’re looking at the game itself.
Watson takes over a team coming off an overtime win against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Bucs and will now face the 1-9-1 Texans. It’s no surprise they’re favored, but what can we expect?
Let’s dive into this game by looking at the odds and following that up with a prediction.
Browns vs. Texans Odds Week 13
It’s unfamiliar territory for Cleveland as they’re not just favorites, but they have a full touchdown as the odds — coming in at -7. The Moneyline on them is -310 with a +250 for Houston. The over/under is 44.5.
Browns vs. Texans Prediction Week 13
Watson hasn’t played since January of 2021, meaning it’s been nearly two full years since he had any real football snaps. He was on fire during that season though, finishing with 4,823 yards while topping 300 yards in his final three games and six of the last seven.
Don’t expect those types of numbers out of the gate as he will not only need to knock off the rust but he’s going to be hyped up emotionally. Playing for the first time in two years while also knowing the league suspension is behind him could have him on a bit of a roller coaster.
That won’t last the entire game though, so look for Watson to really get rolling as the game moves along, throwing a couple of touchdowns in the second half. Cleveland secures the win and moves to 5-7.
Prediction: Browns 27, Texans 17
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
