The Cleveland Browns (4-7) travel to meet the Houston Texans (1-9-1) for a Week 13 matchup Sunday at NRG Stadium in Houston. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET (CBS). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Browns vs. Texans odds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.
The Browns welcome QB Deshaun Watson back from an 11-game suspension, and he will make his regular-season team debut against his former team.
Check out the prop bets for Watson’s return
Cleveland is coming off a solid 23-17 overtime win as 3.5-point underdogs against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Browns are 3-2 ATS in the last 5 games overall, but are 1-4 SU and 2-3 ATS in their last 5 road games, including a neutral-site battle with the Buffalo Bills in Detroit on Nov. 20.
Houston won on the road in Jacksonville Oct. 9, but it has dropped its last 6 games, while going 1-5 ATS. The Texans are also 0-4-1 SU in 5 games at home, while 2-3 ATS with the Under hitting in 3 of the 5 outings.
FOOTBALL NEVER STOPS
Live games, analysis and more 7 days a week: Get ESPN+
Browns at Texans odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 9:48 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Browns -370 (bet $370 to win $100) | Texans +305 (bet $100 to win $305)
- Against the spread: Browns -7.5 (-111) | Texans +7.5 (-109)
- Over/Under (O/U): 46.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
Claim your risk-free bet up to $350. Catch the excitement and start betting with Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!
Browns at Texans key injuries
Browns
- No notable injuries
Texans
- RB Rex Burkhead (concussion) questionable
- WR Brandin Cooks (not injury related) out
- CB Derek Stingley Jr. (hamstring) out
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Browns at Texans picks and predictions
Prediction
Texans 23, Browns 20
Moneyline
The TEXANS (+305) are worth a look for a chance to triple up at home against its former embattled quarterback.
The Browns (-370) get Watson back, and a lot of people think Cleveland will instantly be better, but this is a QB who hasn’t played a meaningful game in 2 years. There is certain to be rust, and QB Kyle Allen and the Texans offense could be fairly effective with rookie RB Dameon Pierce.
It would help if Cooks were in the lineup, as that stings, but WR Nico Collins looked like a legit No. 1 wideout last week, and he and Allen had a nice rapport.
The Browns are a strong running team, and the Texans rank last in the NFL with 168.6 rushing yards per game allowed. As long as Houston can offer a little bit of resistance, forcing Cleveland to the air, the upset chance is good.
Against the spread
Take the TEXANS +7.5 (-109), as the Browns -7.5 (-111) have shown they have no business laying a touchdown to anybody, especially on the road. This is a team which is 3-5 ATS in the last 8 games, and it lost outright as a 6.5-point favorite in Week 2 at home against the New York Jets.
Over/Under
UNDER 46.5 (-108) is the lean in this AFC battle.
While the Browns might want to pass a little more, trying to knock the rust off of its “new” quarterback, the team’s strong point is its run game. Run games are always good for the Under.
The Texans have cashed the Under in 4 of the last 5 games overall, while going 5-1 in the last 6 following a straight-up loss. And, the Under is 8-3 in the past 11 meetings with the Browns, for what that’s worth.
Want action on this NFL game or any other matchups? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.
[mm-video type=playlist id=01fb7dafw2b08817yr player_id=none image=https://sportsbookwire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]
Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Access more NFL coverage:
BetFTW | TheHuddle Fantasy Football | BearsWire | BengalsWire | BillsWire | BroncosWire | BrownsWire | BucsWire | CardsWire | ChargersWire | ChiefsWire | ColtsWire | CommandersWire | CowboysWire | DolphinsWire | EaglesWire | FalconsWire | GiantsWire | JaguarsWire | JetsWire | LionsWire | NinersWire | PackersWire | PanthersWire | PatriotsWire | RaidersWire | RamsWire | RavensWire | SaintsWire | SeahawksWire | SteelersWire | TexansWire | TitansWire | VikingsWire | DraftWire | TouchdownWire | ListWire
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1367]