With the bye week looming, the Cleveland Browns return home after a strenuous road trip. The team has had some highs and many lows this season, but for the first time since 2023, they’re playing somewhat meaningful games in the middle of the season. Sunday’s tilt with the Houston Texans will be the first of four straight at home, but this matchup feels more important than the previous ones and is set to impact playoff odds greatly.
If you were to ask who’s the biggest disappointment of the season
so far, it would be the Texans (or the Los Angeles Chargers). Going into the season, many experts had this team penciled in as a favorite to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. Considering the talent on both sides of the ball, an argument could be made that they are better than last year’s roster.
It hasn’t been anything close to that.
Considered one of the best in the league, Houston’s defense has been anything but. Overall, the unit has been a disappointment. Their run defense has been leaky, and they have been vulnerable to giving up explosives in the passing game. The Texans defense looked better last weekend against the Chargers, but anyone can have a get-right game against the winless LA team.
The Texans haven’t looked like contenders at all this season. The defensive regression has more to do with their scheme not evolving, and the team is prone to letdown performances.
Offensively, Houston appears to be clicking at a high level. Quarterback CJ Stroud has pretty much played himself into a new contract extension.
While the Texans are essentially in playoff mode, the Browns are somewhat entering it.
With the team at 5-4, going into the bye week with a 6-4 record could be big. Cleveland will probably not be favored in any of their games for the remainder of the season, but their schedule is somewhat favorable.
Could the Browns beat the Texans this Sunday? Yes, but they are also prone to getting blown out if they aren’t careful. Sunday’s game against the Houston could be as close to a playoff atmosphere for Cleveland, and it will be interesting to see how they look.
Do you think Week 10 will define the Browns season or just another game?
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