Browns-Texans Predictions

After a shellacking at the hands of the Chiefs that was worse than the final score indicated, the Houston Texans hope to have a “get well” game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday at NRG Stadium. The Browns are the epitome of a horribly run franchise, endlessly swimming circles in a dumpster full of wet, rotting filth. Luckily, the Texans’ players and coaches are not likely to have that attitude while we fans can continuously repeat it until it becomes false.

After the horrors of last week’s game unrelated to the outcome, Texans fans could use a nice, easy blowout heading into the bye week. Here’s to hope.

Tim: Texans 28, Browns 20.

Fortunately for a Texans' defense that will be trying to adjust to life without two of its best players, the Browns are battling even bigger issues on the offensive side of the ball. I don't think Kevin Hogan is going to convert third downs like Alex Smith did last week, and I expect Deshaun Watson to seek vengeance upon a team that decided--twice--to pass on him in the 2017 NFL Draft. The game won't be as close as the final score indicates; the Texans will lead by double-digits for nearly the entire game.

Diehard Chris: Texans 31, Browns 17.

Typically I would say this is a game where the Texans will struggle where they shouldn’t and pull away late. But this is the Deshaun Watson Era, and I’m embracing it until the fates take it away from me. The Texans come out to a fast start, steamroll the Browns, and in the second half the offense is less aggressive (and the Browns make some halftime adjustments). Houston cruises to a win that’s never in doubt.

Luke Beggs: Texans 30, Browns 17.

I don't know if I should be excited or dejected that six weeks into the season the main factor I take into account when trying to predict a game is, "How well can this offense carry the rest of the team?".

Kenneth L.: Texans 20, Browns 10.

It will not surprise me if the Browns test us early. When a team is 0-5 and sees the opportunity to beat an opponent struggling with their own issues, they will pull out all the stops.

I predict the Browns go four-wide for most of the game for two reasons. First, to test the depth of our secondary and force them into man-coverage. Second, to pressure the young core of our front seven and newly acquired talent (in replacement of J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus) into one-on-one battles during the running game. However, I think that Watson and Houston’s dynamic offense will be good enough to carry this team to a victory. The Browns have allowed 9 TDs to opposing QBs, and I expect Watson to put up two more.

Capt. Ron: Texans 28, Browns 13.

Houston is beat up from the Chiefs game, but they have the bye week after this and can leave it all on the field. The Texans need to win to be 3-3 on the season instead of 2-4. The Browns are in typical disarray and winless. I don't see them turning it around at NRG Stadium on Sunday. Go Texans!!!

Titan Matt Weston, Slanderer of Blade Runner and a Huge Fan of the Texas Rangers, All of Whom Are Still Unable to Lift the Remote Control to Watch the Astros in the Playoffs Due to Having All the Bones in Their Bodies Turned to Liquid Goop in the Final Series of the Regular Season, Where the Astros Outscored Them Approximately 119-6: Texans 30, Browns 20.

These aren't my Houston Texans. This team may win a game because of their offense. If the rest of the season is going to start this way, this is as good of a team as possible to go against. Cleveland’s defense is young and talented, but it hasn't been good. An offensive situation that was supposed to be solid has been kind of crappy. DeShone Kizer was benched, as he should be; Kevin Hogan has been soooo, soooo much better so far. Houston starts off their journey with Watt and Mercilus laying in the shade.

I think Cleveland will score some. I just think Houston will score more.

UprootedTexan: Texans 27, Browns 13.

The loss of Watt and Mercilus is a big hit to our pass rush. Against a pretty good Browns offensive line, that means Hogan could have a lot of time to throw against our hobbled and highly questionable secondary. I don't think it matters because I'm not sold on Hogan being a good quarterback. I mean hell, he plays for the Browns; how good could he possibly be?

The Texans’ offense pulls out a win through the air because the Browns’ defensive front is going to make running really difficult. But that's okay. We have Deshaun Watson.

Mike Bullock: Texans 42, Browns 24.

With the loss of two of team leaders in J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus, Deshaun Watson tries to put this team on his back and carry them to the promised land. Watson will light up the Browns’ defense like Nick Saban is running it, and the Texans’ D will rally around Jadeveon Clowney and Benardrick McKinney to keep the Browns in check well enough for Watson, Hopkins, Fuller and D'Onta Foreman to light them up over and over again.

As you likely expected, it’s a clean sweep this week. Go ahead and leave your predictions below and enjoy what we can all hope is a blowout win on Sunday. Then you can start thinking about how you will cope during the bye week.