The Cleveland Browns are home for the first time in a month on Sunday when they host the Houston Texans.
The last time the Browns were in front of the home fans, they defeated the Baltimore Ravens, part of a 5-2 start that had Cleveland sitting in first place in the AFC North. But the Browns are currently riding a two-game losing streak and have into third place in the division.
Houston has won three of its last four games in an attempt to claw its way back into the playoff picture after a 0-4 start
to the season. Two of those wins, however, have come against the Tennessee Titans and Los Angeles Chargers, who are a combined 1-15, so Houston’s resurgence may be more fool’s gold than reality.
Deshaun Watson is back at starting quarterback for the Browns as they look to enter the bye week on a winning note.
It’s the Browns vs. the Texans from downtown Cleveland, and here is everything to know about the game.
Game Info
Records: Cleveland is 5-4. Houston is 3-5.
Kickoff: 1 p.m.
Stadium: Huntington Bank Field, Cleveland, OH.
TV: FOX
Announcers: Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma, and Megan Olivi (sideline reporter)
Radio: 850 ESPN Cleveland, 92.3 The Fan WKRK, 98.5 WNCX, 1300 AM La Mega (Español)
Announcers: Andrew Siciliano, Nathan Zegura, and Je’Rod Cherry (sidelines)
Last meeting: The Browns won the last regular-season meeting, 36-22, in Week 16 of the 2023 season.
First meeting: The Browns won the first meeting, 34-17, on October 20, 2002.
All-time series: Houston leads the all-time series, 8-7. The Browns have won the last two meetings in Cleveland and four in a row in the regular season.
Weather: 45 degrees and cloudy, with a 22 percent chance of rain. Winds from the northwest at 12 mph. (weather.com)
Uniform: The Browns are opting for their worst uniform combo with the all-brown kit.
Injury report: Browns – Out: Fullback Michael Burton (calf) and safety Ronnie Hickman (concussion). Questionable: Wide receiver Denzel Boston (toe). Texans – Out: Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (groin/personal), tight end Brevin Jordan (finger/foot), wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (hamstring), defensive end Danielle Hunter (hamstring), and offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge (neck/shoulder). Questionable: Cornerback Jaylin Smith (hamstring), running back David Montgomery (groin), linebacker Jake Hummel (groin), defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (ankle), guard Wyatt Teller (back/illness), and offensive lineman Trent Brown (wrist).
The line: Browns +4.5 points, with an over/under of 40.5 points, per FanDuel.
News & Notes
- The Browns have played a Cover 1 defense on 39.8 percent of passing plays, the highest total in the league, according to ESPN.
- Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud is averaging 8.3 yards per attempt against Cover 1, ranking him No. 8 in the league, according to ESPN.
- Cleveland has scored a touchdown on just 39 percent of its red zone possessions, which ranks No. 32 in the league, according to ESPN.
- The Browns were 0-for-2 in the red zone in last week’s one-point loss to the New Orleans Saints.
- Houston’s defense is tied for No. 1 in the league with 29 sacks.
- Cleveland quarterbacks Deshaun Watson (33 times) and Shedeur Sanders (5 times) have been sacked a league-high 38 times.
- The Browns are 3-0 at home, one of just six teams to have not lost a home game this season.
- This is just the third time the Browns have started a season at 3-0 since 1999.
- Houston has won three consecutive road games, scoring a total of 104 points. That is the most over a three-game road trip in franchise history.
- The Texans are averaging 30.3 points per game on the road, one of four teams to average 30 points or more.
- Cleveland’s Denzel Boston (507 yards) and KC Concepcion (437) are ranked No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, among all NFL rookies in receiving yards this season.
- Cleveland’s defense is first in the league with 60 tackles for loss, tied for fourth with 26 sacks, and tied for second with 11 forced fumbles.
In Case You Missed It
- 5 quick hitters with Battle Red Blog: Browns facing Texans team that gives up explosive pass plays
- Browns have a penalty problem: All the stats and details- where does the blame fall?
- Browns defense starting to show some cracks in the armor
- Browns, Texans Week 10 has huge AFC playoff odds impact
- Texans vs. Browns Week 10 picks: Cleveland being treated like an afterthought
- Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders? Browns starting QB plan now official
- Browns roster foundation: Built for long-term success or missing too many key pieces
- Browns vs. Texans: Week 10’s matchup could decide the 2026 season’s direction
A Final Quote
Head coach Todd Monken on the team’s unbeaten record at home:
“Oh, it’s been great. You know, as I said, I think that the initial schedule is going to harden us, you know, when you have six of the first nine on the road, the first two are in Florida, right? I mean, so there was a lot there, and our guys handled it in a first-class manner. We’ve had a couple of games where we didn’t play our best, but other than that, collectively, in seven of the nine games, we’ve given ourselves a chance to win. And that’s all you can ask for, is give yourself a chance in the fourth quarter to win. And we’re 5-2 in those games, and that’s the way we’re going to have to play, you know, in terms of not turning it over, continuing to fight and battle for each other, obviously with being at home, right? And I’m excited again to be back home and play in front of the greatest fans in all sports.”
What are you looking for from the Browns in Sunday’s game against the Texans?
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