How the Texans Can Upset the Browns: 5 Keys to Wildcard Victory

Get the ground game going

The Texans haven’t been the most effective team in the rushing game this year. Averaging 96.9 rushing yards per game as a team, Houston’s backfield hasn’t been able to put too much pressure on opposing teams defenses, allowing them to focus on CJ Stroud. With only 10 rushing touchdowns on the year, Houston will have to find a way to get the ground game going against the Browns.

Protect CJ Stroud

To no surprise, if the Texans hope to find any success against a dominant Browns defense, it all starts with CJ Stroud. The No. 2 overall pick has been a large part of how DeMeco Ryans has managed to completely turn the franchise around and clinch the division and a home playoff game just nine months after selecting in the Top 5 of last year’s draft. Stroud has shown early that he can pick an NFL defense apart and make big-time throws to keep his team in any game. With Myles Garrett on the opposing end this Saturday, it will be a tall task for the Texans to stop him. However, if the Houston offensive line can give the talented rookie time in the pocket, he can make the Browns pay for any mistakes made on defense.

Apply pressure to Joe Flacco

While the story of Joe Flacco has been fun to follow and his gunslinger attitude has been easy to get behind, there are still plenty of flaws the Texans defense can attack in the 38-year-old’s game. In five starts, Flacco has thrown for 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions with a 48.6 QBR. What does this mean? It means that while the Browns quarterback has rejuvenated the offense since arriving, he’s also presented many opportunities for opposing defenses to force turnovers or disrupt Cleveland’s offensive game. And with the brilliant defensive mind of DeMeco Ryans on Houston’s side, expect the Texans to send different looks to make things difficult for the seasoned veteran.

Stop the Browns rushing attack

The Browns have one of the best offensive lines in the league, and in turn, they have a rushing game that can open Kevin Stefanski’s offense up and put pressure on an opponent's defense. Despite Nick Chubb’s season-ending injury, Cleveland’s two-headed attack of Jerome Ford and Kareem Hunt in the backfield has sufficed, giving the team the juice they need on offense. And while the Texans have been a great run-stopping team for the majority of the season, Houston struggled to stop the rush against Indianapolis in Week 18 as the Colts rumbled for 227 yards. Nonetheless, if Houston’s defensive front can bounce back and make the Browns a one-dimensional team, they’ll find more success forcing Flacco to beat them through the air.

Win the turnover battle

It goes without saying that in any football game, protecting the football is key, especially in the NFL. And if Houston wants to win their first playoff game at home on Saturday, they will need to keep turnovers minimal on offense and hope the defense can force the Browns into some turnover-worthy plays. Winning the turnover battle will be a huge victory of its own for the Texans in this one. 

Get the ground game going

The Texans haven’t been the most effective team in the rushing game this year. Averaging 96.9 rushing yards per game as a team, Houston’s backfield hasn’t been able to put too much pressure on opposing teams defenses, allowing them to focus on CJ Stroud. With only 10 rushing touchdowns on the year, Houston will have to find a way to get the ground game going against the Browns.