Cleveland Browns at Houston Texans: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 16 game

The AFC wild card race is heating up, and two teams looking to solidify their playoff bid will meet in Week 16 when the Cleveland Browns (9-5) visit the Houston Texans (8-6).

A dropped Hail Mary catch resulted in the Browns notching another win and retaining the No. 5 spot in the AFC standings. It was a strange performance, but Joe Flacco had another big day in rallying Cleveland toward victory as he continues to give fans optimism in a playoff run.

Without C.J. Stroud, Houston went into Tennessee as underdogs, but the resilient team was able to overcome injuries with an overtime win against the divisional opponent. The Texans remain outside of a playoff spot at the moment, but a win against another wild-card team could propel them into the race on Sunday.

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Texans vs. Browns odds, moneyline, over/under

The Browns are favorites to defeat the Texans, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023, including the new ESPN BET app.

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• Spread: Browns (-3)
• Moneyline: Browns (-150); Texans (+125)
• Over/under: 40

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NFL Week 16 odds, predictions and picks

Rams vs. Saints | Steelers vs. Bengals | Chargers vs. Bills | Falcons vs. Colts | Panthers vs. Packers | Texans vs. Browns | Vikings vs. Lions | Jets vs. Commanders | Titans vs. Seahawks | Buccaneers vs. Jaguars | Bears vs. Cardinals | Dolphins vs. Cowboys | Broncos vs. Patriots | Chiefs vs. Raiders | Eagles vs. Giants | 49ers vs. Ravens

Lorenzo Reyes: Browns 21, Texans 18

Cleveland has developed a downfield passing game with Joe Flacco under center. Houston should get C.J. Stroud and a few other starters back healthy, but I like the Browns in this spot, mainly because of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and his ability to fluster young passers.

Tyler Dragon: Texans 21, Browns 20

Houston’s win last week without presumptive offensive rookie of the year C.J. Stroud should solidify DeMeco Ryans’ coach of the year campaign. The Browns have the NFL’s top defense, and it travels. But expect the Texans to have a few explosive plays on offense, especially if Stroud is back in the lineup.

Safid Deen: Texans 27, Browns 13

Joe Flacco has played admirably in his stint as Cleveland’s starter, while the Browns have played their way into the playoff mix. But C.J. Stroud should return to the Texans’ lineup after a concussion two weeks ago. Stroud and the Texans have their eyes set on the AFC South and will light up the Browns at home.

Victoria Hernandez: Texans 23, Browns 20

CJ Stroud’s status could be a major factor here. But Case Keenum and Devin Singletary showed they could hold it down as the Texans snatched a close road win last week. The Joe Flacco hype is fun. But Cleveland barely beat the Bears last week when he threw three interceptions. If that didn’t bring the Browns down to earth a bit, this road matchup might do it.

Jordan Mendoza: Texans 23, Browns 20

It was huge for Houston to pick up a win without C.J. Stroud, and they now have a chance to take the lead in the AFC South or stay in the race for it. It'll be tough to go against a defense as stingy as Cleveland, but the key to this is the Texans defense stepping up to prevent Joe Flacco from getting the win.

You can view the full list of USA TODAY's NFL expert predictions here.

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