Where to buy tickets for Cleveland Browns vs Houston Texans wild card playoff game at NRG Stadium

Bengals are favored by 7 according to FanDuel. Browns won last meeting. Browns have -8 turnover differential. Hendrickson is player to watch.

The betting line for the upcoming game between the Browns and the Bengals is Bengals by 7, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. In their last meeting, the Browns beat the Bengals 24-3 on September 10 in Cleveland. Last week, the Browns beat the Jets 37-20, while the Bengals lost to the Chiefs 25-17. The turnover differential is Browns minus-8 and Bengals plus-9.

A player to watch for the Browns is QB Jeff Driskel, who will be making his Cleveland debut. He was recently signed off Arizona's practice squad and this game could be an audition for him to back up Flacco in the postseason. Driskel made five starts for the Bengals in 2018. On the Bengals side, DE Trey Hendrickson is tied with Pittsburgh's T.J. Watt for the NFL lead in sacks with a career-high 17. His strip-sack of Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes last week marked his seventh straight game with at least a full sack. No Cincinnati player has led the NFL in sacks since the league began tracking them in 1982. Hendrickson was elected to the Pro Bowl on Wednesday.

The key matchup to watch is the Browns vs. their painful injury history. Cleveland just wants to get out of this game as healthy as possible in advance of its wild-card matchup. Coach Kevin Stefanski is sitting many of his starters for rest and to hopefully avoid losing anyone else.

There are several key injuries to note for both teams. Browns K Dustin Hopkins (hamstring) will miss his second straight game and his status remains unclear for the playoffs. Browns WR Elijah Moore (concussion) returned to practice this week and is questionable. Browns DE Ogbo Okoronkwo (pectoral) could be back after missing two games. Browns P Corey Bojorquez (quad) will likely be back following a one-game absence. Browns LB and captain Anthony Walker (knee) went on injured reserve. Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase and WR Tee Higgins are both dealing with injuries but are expected to play.

In terms of series notes, the Browns have won six of the past seven meetings, and nine of the past 11. Cincinnati has played more games against Cleveland (100) than any foe except Pittsburgh (109). When Cleveland swept Cincinnati in 2018, it was the Browns' first season sweep over the Bengals since 2002. Cincinnati's longest win streak was seven in 2014-17. The Browns won seven straight in 1992-95. Cincinnati lost to Cleveland 21-16 on Jan. 9, 2022, as the Bengals rested most of their starters ahead of the playoffs. The Bengals advanced to the Super Bowl.

The Browns clinched just their third playoff berth since 1999 last week. Cleveland's 11 wins are tied for the second most in team history. The Browns went 12-4 in 1986. The Browns have not had a five-game winning steak since 1999. The Browns will face the still-to-be-determined AFC South champion in the wild-card round. Flacco has been far better than expected since signing on Nov. 20. He's 4-1 as a starter and thrown for 1,616 yards and 13 TDs -- both league highs since Week 13. Garrett finished the regular season with 14 sacks, two shy of his team record. The Browns are one of eight teams since 1950 to win with four QBs. The 1987 New England Patriots are the only team to win with five. Njoku leads Cleveland with 81 catches and 6 TDs. Hopkins is four points from breaking Jim Brown's single-season scoring record (126).

Overall, this game is shaping up to be an interesting matchup between the Browns and the Bengals, with both teams dealing with injuries and key players to watch.

Share With Others