Bob Balfe
Texans +2.5 over Browns
NFL Playoff betting comes down to splitting hairs in deciding which team has the upper hand. Postseason football differs from the regular season as the officials let teams play more physically. The Cleveland Browns have a record of 11-6, and their main strength was their ability to run the ball. However, they lost running back Nick Chubb and quarterback DeShaun Watson, causing their offensive identity to shift to 39-year-old pocket passer Joe Flacco. This means the AFC South Champion Houston Texans’ defense has one less thing to worry about, knowing Flacco won’t beat them with his legs. Flacco has not played more than five games in a season since 2019. How will he hold up in a playoff setting late in his career? The Browns offensive line is without their opening-day starters on both sides of the line. DeMeco Ryans, the Texans’ rookie coach, has done an outstanding job this season. Rookie QB CJ Stroud has also been performing incredibly well and has made his case for Rookie of the Year. The Texans have the advantage of playing at home, keeping them away from Cleveland’s cold weather. Houston has an exceptional special teams unit, which is often overlooked but can make all the difference in the playoffs. Though the Browns beat the Texans two weeks ago, the Texans didn’t have their starting quarterback due to a concussion, so that game may not be a good indicator of how things will play out in the playoffs. Slow down Amari Cooper, and Houston has an excellent chance to win. The Browns have changed their identity to pass 40+ times a game, which is getting away from what they do best. It’s going to catch up with them. Take the Texans.
Opinion play only on the Chiefs.
