Texans vs. Browns Predictions, Odds, Picks

VegasInsider Staff Sports Betting Expert

4 minute read

Sept. 19, 2021

Stuart Durst
VI Betting Expert
VegasInsider.com

Houston Texans vs. Cleveland Browns Predictions

Score Prediction - Cleveland 34 Houston 20

Last week was full of plenty of surprises, few bigger than the Houston Texans outright stomping the Jacksonville Jaguars. While the spread was only three points, the national media, along with the general football fan consensus all agreed that the Houston Texans were the worst team in the NFL before any snaps.

Well veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor obviously had a problem with that, and while beating the Jaguars isn't the most impressive task in the world, it's just step number one for a team that was already written off before the start of the year. The Browns, on the other hand, are coming in after a tough defeat against Kansas City. While they were leading by multiple possessions at halftime, the Chiefs came back in style and ended up stealing the victory.

If you're looking to stay alive for another week in your survivor pool, then this is probably a great place to start. With one of the largest spreads out of any game this week, the Browns are huge favorites. A lot of the popular sports media touted the Browns as legitimate Super Bowl contenders and it's hard to argue with that. I think the Texans, led by Taylor, showed they were a team that is able to put up a solid fight every single week.

This game is very good for a teaser or moneyline parlay. I'm fairly confident the Browns win this, but I like using alt-lines to reduce the huge under. If taking the spread, the Browns are still the ideal play at -12.5. While the number is definitely high, we're talking about a top five team in the league taking on a bottom five team. Lets not try to outsmart ourselves and get too creative, this line does become less appealing in the 14/14.5 range once we get past a two touchdown deficit.

If you're into prop betting, then a play I like more than any spread is Tyrod Taylor over 22.5 rushing yards. We all know Tyrod's past success as a runner but it really showed up last week where he ran for 40 yards. He really wasn’t under pressure too much with Jacksonville, and didn’t really need to run much with the game script.

Mahomes had 18 against the Browns, but the Chiefs have that newly upgraded o-line which looks good. Mahomes is much more likely to make a crazy throw on run, meanwhile Tyrod will likely tuck and run. I think the Garrett/Clowney pass rush will force him out the pocket and leave hit to make his own decision in space.

The Cleveland Browns have gone OVER the point total in six of their last seven home opening games. (AP)

Houston Texans vs. Cleveland Browns Best Bets

• Cleveland -12.5
• Taylor OVER 22.5 rushing yards

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Houston Texans vs. Cleveland Browns Game Odds

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Houston Texans vs. Cleveland Browns Betting Resources

• Matchup: AFC South vs. AFC North
• Venue: FirstEnergy Stadium
• Location: Cleveland, Ohio
• TV-Time: CBS - 1:00 p.m. ET

• Line Movements
• Betting Trend Movements
• Weather Report
• Injury Report
• Super Bowl 56 Betting

Houston Texans vs. Cleveland Browns Betting Analysis

Browns are coming into this game 1-0 against the spread. Losing to the Chiefs was tough but they did cover the +5.5 spread in a nail biter. Texans are also coming into this game 1-0 ATS, as they were three-point underdogs but ended up winning the game in a fairly easy manner. Backdoor covers are always a worry when the lines get this inflated, but I’m fairly certain that the Browns can keep this game out of reach. If you're a Texans fan, your biggest hope is the Browns get comfortable with a large lead and bleed a couple points back late as they did against the Chiefs.

Houston Texans vs. Cleveland Browns Betting Trends

• Houston has covered the spread in six straight games when facing Cleveland.
• Houston has lost 12 straight games when underdogs by +7 or more.
• Cleveland has gone OVER the point total in six of its last seven home openers.

Where to place a bet this NFL Season?

• Use our exclusive BetMGM Bonus Code VIBONUS1500 to unlock BetMGM’s welcome offer for new sportsbook users!
• Compare the latest NFL Odds from the best sportsbooks before placing a bet on this week's games.
• Check out the North Carolina Sportsbooks just before they launch legal online sports betting.

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