Walk Thru Notes: Browns Keys To Victory Over Houston

The Browns must do these three things to come out of Houston with a victory and be knocking on the door of the playoffs.

Cleveland and Houston match up in a huge Week 16 game that has huge playoff implications for both teams.

If the Browns win, their chances of making the playoffs jump to 99 percent and there is a chance that they could clinch their playoff birth on Sunday if the dominos fall the right way.

For Houston, if they get the win at home there is a real chance that they are back to being in first place in the AFC South setting them up for a chance at a home playoff game. If they lose, they are on the outside looking in of even making the playoffs. 

Dec 17, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Marquise Goodwin (3) catches the ball against the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports   / © Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Here are the three keys to victory for Cleveland on Sunday.

1. No Turnovers

I'm very close to saying that the Browns turning the ball over translates to victories. Clevelands 30 giveaways are the most in the NFL yet they are on the cusp of making the playoffs. However, Sunday will be different. Houston does not turn the football over. They are tied for the least number of giveaways in all of the NFL with 12 so if Cleveland turns the football over, it's unlikely that they will get it back.

2. Limit the big play

Cleveland's kryptonite on defense on the road is the big play. There are a handful of instances that the big play cost the Browns a chance at winning a game on the road. If they can prevent it on Sunday and force Case Keenum and the Texan offense into long drives that will bode well for the result leaning in Cleveland's favor.

3. Keep Joe Flacco Upright

The Browns are going to have to pass the football to win this football game. Houston has one of the best rushing defenses in the NFL and they know it. It will be no surprise if Flacco has 40 to 50-plus pass attempts on Sunday. The Cleveland offensive line must keep him protected. The more time that he has to throw the ball, the bigger the plays the Browns pass catchers will be able to make.

If Cleveland can accomplish these three things they could win and win big and put themselves on the doorstep of the playoffs.