The best two weeks of the NFL season are officially upon us — the time of year when the temperature drops, the stakes rise, and heroes are made. This season, more than ever, has the potential to be one of the most competitive playoffs we have seen in a while.
Let’s dive into the first five games that are on the slate this weekend on Saturday and Sunday.
(5) Cleveland Browns vs. (4) Houston Texans
- Spread: Browns -2.5
- Date: Saturday, January 13
- Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
- TV: NBC
After a short hiatus, the Houston Texans have returned to their rightful 4:25 p.m. Saturday Wild Card slot to kick off playoff action. Although this is not your average Texans team. They have dealt with injuries throughout the season but despite everything, have found themselves at the top of the AFC South led by Offensive Rookie of the Year frontrunner CJ Stroud.
Stroud has been the saving grace in Houston this year, combined with explosive receiving threats in wide receiver Nico Collins, Noah Brown, running back Devin Singletary, and tight end Dalton Schultz. While Stroud has been without his top target Tank Dell since Week 12 when Dell broke his fibula, he has managed to throw for over 4,000 yards despite playing in only 15 games. Stroud was sidelined with a concussion in weeks 15 and 16 but came back just in time to help Houston win the AFC South against the Colts last week.
The Cleveland Browns have had anything but a consistent presence at quarterback throughout the season. They have started five different quarterbacks this year but have relied on a stout defense to keep them competitive and earn the No. 1 Wild Card spot. Through games with Deshaun Watson, PJ Walker, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Jeff Driskel, and Joe Flacco, it was surprisingly the veteran Flacco who has been the stabilizing force. On the other side of the ball, Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett has put together a career year hunting down opposing quarterbacks. Garrett has 14 sacks and 17 tackles for loss…
Read the full article here
Leave a Reply