As the banged-up Cleveland Browns aim to secure a double-digit win season, they face the Houston Texans in a pivotal Week 16 matchup, attempting to avoid spoiling Christmas for their fans back home. Although the Browns can no longer clinch a playoff berth against the Texans, the game holds significant implications for Cleveland’s postseason aspirations in the remaining weeks of the regular season.
Despite C.J. Stroud’s absence due to a concussion sustained several weeks ago, the Texans, standing at 8-6, present a formidable challenge. This young team, initially expected to undergo a rebuilding phase, has surpassed expectations, with three of their six losses decided by a single possession. Like the Browns, they find themselves in the thick of the AFC Playoff Race, making this matchup crucial for both teams.
Even without Stroud, the Texans have displayed surprising strength, particularly in three key statistical areas that shape the narrative of their 2023 season:
- Big Play Potential: Houston has defied expectations, ranking second in the NFL in explosive plays this season with 39 (plays of 25-plus yards), surpassed only by the 49ers. While these numbers dipped in Stroud’s absence, Case Keenum, the veteran backup, demonstrated the team’s continued big play potential. Despite only one explosive play against the Jets and one against the Titans last week, Keenum’s deep pass to running back Devin Singletary for 41 yards underscores the offensive talent surrounding the QB position. The Browns’ defense must prepare to limit significant plays to secure a win in Houston.
- Getting Off The Field: Over the last three weeks, the Texans have showcased one of the stingiest third-down defenses in the NFL, allowing only a 26.8% conversion rate. This defensive prowess extends over the last eight weeks, where opponents converted only 33% of their third-down attempts. In contrast, the Browns’ offensive struggles on third down, with a season-long conversion rate of 31%, highlight the importance of the Texans’ ability to get off the field. The Browns face a challenging task in overcoming Houston’s stout defense in critical third-down situations.
- Better Down The Stretch: With a shift to a zone running scheme, Devin Singletary has emerged as the Texans’ primary bell cow in the backfield. Last week’s standout performance against the Titans, with 26 carries and 121 rushing yards, exemplifies Singletary’s impact. Having exceeded 100 yards rushing three times this season and maintaining an average of 4.7 yards per carry over the last six games, Singletary poses a significant threat that the Browns must account for in their defensive strateg y.
As the Texans and Browns vie for crucial playoff positioning, these key stats provide insights into the dynamics that will shape the outcome of this pivotal AFC showdown.
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