Browns and Texans Best Bets As Super Wild Card Weekend Kicks Off

Cleveland and Houston square off in the first game on the NFL Playoffs on Saturday afternoon. Here are the best bets as the Browns play their first playoff game since 2020

The time is finally here for the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans to get the playoffs underway on Saturday afternoon.

This matchup is unique as these two teams matched up against each other just three weeks ago in a game that Cleveland controlled from the first snap. However, the Texans roster is completely different thanks to a healthy CJ Stroud and Cleveland has a big challenge on its hands.

This game is going to feel a lot different than the last meeting. Each team will have some tendencies to break and matchups to exploit. Here are my three best bets heading into Browns and Texans.

Elijah Moore OVER 39.5 Receiving Yards (-110)

There is no way that Houston is going to let Amari Cooper do what he did last game, or get anywhere close to that. Furthermore, in Cleveland's last real game action against the New York Jets, the Flacco to Moore connection started to get going. Expect a big Elijah Moore day on Saturday.

Dec 28, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) celebrates after a touchdown during the first half against the New York Jets at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports / Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

CJ Stroud UNDER 244.5 Yards Passing (-110)

Stroud has been unbelievable this year for the Houston Texans and he should have that organization loving what they have going on. However, Saturday will be a tough day for the rookie. He is the 27th ranked quarterback against man-to-man coverage and the Browns are the top man-to-man cover team in the league. 

Za'Darius Smith to Record a Sack (+124)

This is a fun prop to bet and one that is going to cash early. CJ Stroud holds onto the football longer most every quarterback in the league. The Texans will have to commit their extra help to Myles Garrett leaving Smith the opportunity to. get home early and often. Expect a big day from Za'darius.

Dec 24, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) celebrates after sacking Houston Texans quarterback Case Keenum (18) during the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports   / © Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Bonus Prop: David Njoku Anytime Touchdown (+195)

If the Texans are smart they will take away Amari Cooper, or try to at least. That is going to leave David Njoku up to have a big afternoon. I expect the Chief to find the endzone, at least once if not more.

Side: Browns -2.5 (-104)

Cleveland takes care of business down in Houston. This offense is going to prove to be too much for the Texans to handle and Cleveland is going to get the job done and do enough to cover the spread.

As always, a reminder to bet responsibly.