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The Texans’ normally-stingy defense was run over last time out in a shootout loss to the Chiefs. Even without star defensive end J.J. Watt, Houston should get back on track in this one. Cleveland is low on talent and has big-time quarterback problems, so it figures to be a long day.
Watch this regular season Week 6 matchup live on Sunday, October 15, 2017, at 1 p.m. ET at NRG Stadium.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Cleveland Browns +10
Houston Texans -10
Over/Under 44.5
Odds Analysis
The Texans are double-digit home favorites and even so, more than 56 percent of the money is on them to cover. The scoring total is low because the Browns may not be able to consistently move the ball. However, the Texans’ offense has really found its groove behind rookie quarterback and the “over” is the more popular choice by bettors.
Injury Report
JJ Watt — The Texans were dealt a big blow this week as they learned their star defensive end would miss the remainder of the season with a tibial plateau fracture which is a break in the shinbone near the knee. The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year suffered the injury during a blocking play early on in Houston’s loss to the Chiefs on Sunday and was taken to the hospital by ambulance from the game. This is the second straight season that Watt will miss considerable time as he was out for all but three games last year with a back injury. Watt is a huge part of the Texans’ defense and is also an emotional leader on the team. His absence will surely be felt.
Whitney Mercilus — Houston got another piece of bad news on the defensive side of the ball this week with the announcement of the loss of one of its top outside linebackers for the rest of the year. Mercilus also left Sunday’s game against Kansas City early in the first half due to a chest injury and it was later discovered he had a torn pectoral. Mercilus led the team in sacks last season with 7.5 and also had one sack and ten tackles so far this season.
Player to Watch
Kevin Hogan -- DeShone Kizer got the starting nod for the Browns at quarterback to begin the season but he was pulled last time out and replaced by Hogan. While coach Hue Jackson hasn’t made a decision on the starting quarterback for this game, the experts predict it to be Hogan.
He played nicely in relief last week, completing 16-of-19 passes for 194 yards with two touchdowns and an interception in a loss to the Jets. Hogan has a quarterback rating of 104.8 in limited playing time this season.
He’s not going to be that good in this one, but if he can help the Browns find the end zone a couple of times in this game, it will certainly be enough for Cleveland to cover the spread.
Free ATS Pick
The Houston offense is going to need to be more explosive than expected now without Watt or Mercilus. Watson has been great the past couple of games, and if he plays like that against the Browns, Houston should roll.
However, rookie quarterbacks take their lumps, and he may have some growing pains in this one. The Texans are going to win this game at home, but it will be closer than most expect when the Browns are involved in a contest.
NFL Odds: Texans 23, Browns 14
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