Cleveland Browns (-2) at Houston Texans: The Browns have proven that an elite defense can indeed carry a team to double digit wins and a postseason berth. With QB Deshaun Watson and RB Nick Chubb out most of the year due to injuries, the Browns had to turn to the likes of veteran quarterback Joe Flacco (one of five QBs to start a game for Cleveland in '23) and running backs Jerome Ford & Kareem Hunt. No problem though, as Cleveland enters the postseason with the top ranked defense in terms of yards allowed.
After winning only 3 games last season, the Texans used the #2 & #3 overall draft picks last April to attain their franchise QB in CJ Stroud as well as stud LB Will Anderson. Both had immediate impacts has Stroud threw for more than 4,000 yards while tossing only 5 interceptions, and Anderson recording 7 sacks. Also, new coach DeMeco Ryans helped elevate the Houston defense from 27th to 11th overall.
In the end, I have a feeling that Cleveland All Pro DE Myles Garrett is going to be harassing Stroud all afternoon.
Cleveland 28 Houston 20
Miami Dolphins (+4-1/2) at Kansas City Chiefs: This is a rematch of a Week 9 regular season game in Berlin, Germany in which KC prevailed, 21-14.
The Dolphins have suddenly been bit by the injury bug, particularly their top 10 defense. Starting LBs Bradley Chubb, Jerome Baker and Andrew Van Ginkel are all done for the season, while CB Xavien Howard is currently listed as "doubtful" to play in this game. On the offensive side of the ball, WRs Jaylen Waddle & Tyreek Hill are nicked up, as are RBs Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane (all are listed as "questionable").
While the Chiefs offense hardly resembles the explosive unit that's propelled them to 3 of the 4 most recent Super Bowls, they're still in the top ten in points and yardage. However, it's been the KC defense which has been the story of this year's team, finishing second overall. If Patrick Mahomes and Co. finally flip that switch and become a semblance of what we've become accustom to seeing, then it's not a stretch to envision the reigning champions successfully defending their title. I believe they'll at least get off to a good start this week in a game which could reach record cold temperatures for an NFL postseason game.
Kansas City 31 Miami 17
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