Houston Texans vs Cleveland Browns Betting Preview: Baker and the Browns to Blast Texans for Their First Win

The Houston Texans are 1-0 and the Cleveland Browns are 0-1, but don’t let that fool you into thinking the team with the better record is the better team. The Browns may have lost in Kansas City, but their showing against the Chiefs did nothing to diminish their standing as a likely contender in the AFC. Even after their loss, NFL betting odds have the Browns as the third favorite in the AFC behind the Chiefs and Buffalo Bills.

The Texans might be better than expected, emphasis on might be, but beating the Jacksonville Jaguars is not exactly a major challenge. I am curious how they do this week.

Cleveland had the ultimate test to open their season, and they played well enough to beat the Chiefs. Even though they lost there is a lot to like about them.

Houston Texas (1-0) vs Cleveland Browns (0-1), CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET

Houston Texans vs Cleveland Browns NFL Betting Odds

Moneyline

• Houston Texans +540
• Cleveland Browns -770

Total

• OVER 47.5 (-115)
• UNDER 47.5 (-105)

Spread

• Houston Texans +13.5 (-110)
• Cleveland Browns -13.5 (-110)

Houston Texans vs. Cleveland Browns Odds odds are via BetOnline Sportsbook as of Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 8:20 a.m. ET. Want to see NFL betting odds from several top online sportsbooks for the day’s other NFL matchups? Check out our NFL odds.

Houston Texans vs Cleveland Browns NFL Betting Consensus

Moneyline

• 0% Houston Texans
• 100% Cleveland Browns

Total

• 75% OVER
• 25% UNDER

Spread

• 75% Houston Texans
• 25% Cleveland Browns

Houston Texans vs Cleveland Browns Matchup: NFL Betting Picks, Odds, Stats and More

Houston Texans vs Cleveland Browns Betting Outlook

The Texans won last week and since I think there is a good chance it is their only win of the season I don’t want to take it away from them.

Quarterback Tyrod Taylor looked like he always does when he starts. He uses his athleticism well and is able to make plays. He and receiver Brandin Cooks hooked up for a bunch of yards, and Cooks could have a great statistical season no matter how bad the team is overall. They were playing with the lead for basically the whole game against the Jaguars, and that definitely took a lot of pressure off. They ran the ball a lot, but I am not sure that RB Mark Ingram is going to give them much other than toughness in the backfield.

The defense picked off Trevor Lawrence three times. This is not an elite group at all, but if they are able to force turnovers they will look better than they are. The yardage totals are not impressive, but so much of that was garbage time. This week they are going to have to be extra committed to stopping the run, and I don’t think they are up to the task.

Cleveland Has to Avoid Kansas City Hangover

The Browns are good. All we really learned last week is that they are just not as good as the Chiefs. If the game would have been in the Dawg Pound, we might have seen a different result.

Cleveland’s offense was very effective even though QB Baker Mayfield only led the Browns to one touchdown in the second half. They ran the ball well with RB Nick Chubb and were able to create some big plays in the passing game even without Odell Beckham Jr. He is expected to be out again, but this is not a matchup where they will need him.

On defense, they did a good job stymying Kansas City’s ground game, but they had no answer for the combination of Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill. Then again, anyone rarely does. They also struggled against Travis Kelce, the best tight end in the game. But again, so do most teams.

Against more reasonable matchups the Browns should do just fine this week. I am curious to see how they are against an average (maybe) offensive team.

NFL Betting Trends to Consider for Houston Texans vs Cleveland Browns

• Houston is 5-1 ATS in their last six games as an underdog.
• The Texans are 5-2 ATS in their last seven against fellow AFC teams.
• The Texans are 2-5-1 ATS in their last eight games following a straight up win.
• Cleveland is 6-0 ATS in their last six games after accumulating more than 150 yards rushing in their previous game.
• The Browns are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games after allowing more than 250 yards passing in their previous game.
• The Browns are 10-21-1 ATS in their last 32 games after allowing less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game.

Houston Texans vs Cleveland Browns Best Bets

Cleveland Browns -13.5

This is a massive line for so early in the season, but you can argue there might be some value after last week’s results. I like Cleveland to win by at least two touchdowns and show that they are worth all the preseason love they were getting. They should be able to control the game from start to finish in front of the home fans.

Prop watch: Cleveland Browns Total Points Over 30.5 (-110)

I am not envisioning the Browns getting much resistance from the Texans in this game. They are going to rip off big runs and Mayfield should have an efficient and easy game throwing the ball. As long as they don't turn it over they can get to this total by the end of the third quarter.

Houston Texans vs Cleveland Browns Score Prediction

Cleveland Browns 38, Houston Texans 13