Browns vs Texans Picks & Odds: The Return of Deshaun Watson

All eyes will be on quarterback Deshaun Watson as he makes his debut with the Cleveland Browns (4-7 SU, 5-6 ATS). And if that isn’t interesting enough as a storyline, his first game in 700 days comes against the Houston Texans (1-9-1, 4-6-1), the franchise he had spent his entire career with until he was traded away in March following sexual assault allegations against him. See below for more on this matchup, including a Browns vs Texans prediction.

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Browns vs Titans Sportsbook Odds

When betting on this game, the Deshaun factor will certainly come into play. What can we expect from him? The Browns opened as 4.5-point favorites, or -240 on the moneyline, but that gap has since widened. Cleveland hasn’t won in its last five trips to Houston. The total opened at 43.5, but it too has climbed. The UNDER is 9-2 in the last 11 head-to-head meetings.

Get the best Browns vs Texans odds and lines available from our recommended sportsbooks for your favorite picks of the night.

Browns Set To Welcome Back Watson

Watson, who signed a five-year, $230-million deal with the Browns following the trade, will make his first start for Cleveland after serving an 11-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. He has been practicing with the team for a couple of weeks now and has been around the club since the beginning of the season. His teammates are coming off an emotional high after beating Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-17 in overtime last week.

Watson will replace Jacoby Brissett, who has started all 11 Cleveland games so far. The Browns have relied heavily on the ground game for most of the season. Nick Chubb is one of just three backs in the league to have over 1,000 yards rushing. Cleveland averages nearly 377 total yards per game, the fifth most in the NFL.

Houston! We Have A Problem

This season has not been kind to the Houston Texans. They have lost six straight games and have just one win, a game in which they scored only 13 points. Last week, the game was over before it even began as the Miami Dolphins jumped out to a 30-0 lead before halftime, eventually winning the game 30-15. Quarterback Kyle Allen started that game in place of Davis Mills, throwing for 215 yards, a touchdown and a pair of interceptions.

This team has struggled offensively all season long. They average under 280 total yards per game and under 16 points per game. Only Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos have scored fewer points and we know how bad things are in Denver these days.

Browns: Keys To Victory

Deshaun Watson. It will be fascinating to see how he plays after missing the last season and a half. Amari Cooper has been heating up in recent weeks, but will he have chemistry with his new quarterback? The fact Watson has Chubb to rely on and is playing the lowly Texans definitely helps. As long as he doesn’t turn the ball over, the Browns shouldn’t have too much to worry about.

Texans: Keys To Victory

Attempt to stop the run. This is a nightmare matchup for the Texans, who sit dead last in the NFL in rush defense. They allow more than 168 yards per game on the ground. If Houston is to have any chance, it will need to contain the combination of Chubb and Kareem Hunt. Taking the home team when making your Browns vs Texans bet could be risky.

NFL Computer Pick: Texans +7

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