Houston Texans vs. Cleveland Browns Playoff Preview: C.J. Stroud Is Saturday's Wild Card

The Houston Texans will once again host the Cleveland Browns, this time with true win-or-go-home implications. Can quarterback C.J. Stroud move the needle on Saturday?

The Houston Texans have defeated all odds to make the playoffs, but they’ll be the first to tell you that they aren’t satisfied. They didn’t get this far just to get this far.

On Saturday, Houston will find out just how far it can get. The Cleveland Browns will pay them for a visit, having already beaten the Texans 36-22 in Week 16. Cleveland launched an aerial assault on a team without its starting quarterback and won comfortably.

Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud was in concussion protocol the first time around. On Saturday, he’ll have a chance to take on an elite Browns defense and continue Houston’s improbable run.

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Stroud has put together one of the most impressive rookie campaigns in league history, throwing for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns. He joined Joe Montana and Tom Brady as the only passers in league history to lead the league in touchdown/interception ratio and yards per game in the same season, regardless of experience.

His ability to play incredibly well under the brightest lights is a trait that has served Stroud well, though it doesn’t guarantee victory. Stroud’s best game for the Ohio State Buckeyes came in his last one, a loss to the Georgia Bulldogs in the College Football Playoffs.

In his first taste of do-or-die action in the pros, Stroud turned in a masterful performance, complete with 264 yards and two scores. The Texans won 23-19.

The Wild Card Round offers a tougher task. Cleveland’s defense is one of the best in recent memory, and veteran quarterback Joe Flacco is on an incredible hot streak. There’s a reason even in Stroud’s return, the Browns are favored.

However, this phenomenal rookie season has continued to show that Stroud might just be different. He hasn’t just been good for a rookie. He’s been better than most quarterbacks in the league, and his accuracy, poise, and ability to avoid turnovers render Houston a threat.

How Will Flacco, Browns Attack Texans Defense in Playoffs?

If Houston gets high-stakes Stroud, the one that went toe-to-toe with a college football dynasty and willed the Texans to the playoffs, they can compete with anyone. Expect the Houston faithful to show their appreciation on Saturday as they try to impact this game themselves.

WHAT: Houston Texans (10-7) vs. Cleveland Browns (11-6)

WHERE: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX (72,220)

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 13, 3:30 p.m. (CT)

TELEVISION: NBC

RADIO: SportRadio 610 AM, 100.3 FM The Bull

ODDS: Texans +2.5 (-118), Moneyline: +110, Total: 44.5 (o -110/u -110)