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Amari Cooper of the Cleveland Browns completes the catch for a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium on Oct. 31, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Amari Cooper of the Cleveland Browns completes the catch for a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium on Oct. 31, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images via AFP.

The Cleveland Browns are massive favorites against the Houston Texans in quarterback Deshaun Watson's first game since 2020. Check out our top Browns-Texans NFL picks

Watson’s suspension has come to an end, and he’s gearing up to start life with the Cleveland Browns in Week 13. First up? A date with his former team, the Houston Texans.

Houston is just 1-9-1, and despite the Browns’ four-win record they’re a far superior team by the numbers. Houston hasn’t scored 20 points since Week 7 and really floundered as the season's gone on.

Here are our best Browns-Texans NFL Week 13 football picks (odds via BetMGM, PointsBet, and FanDuel Sportsbook; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale).

Check out our NFL best bets and all of our top picks for Week 13.

Browns vs. Texans Game Info

  • Date: Sunday, Dec. 4, 1 p.m ET
  • TV: CBS
  • Location: NRG Stadium, Houston TX
  • Weather: 67 degrees, 3% chance of precipitation, 5-mph ENE winds

Browns vs. Texans Odds

Browns vs. Texans Odds Analysis

The Browns were initially seven-point favorites before the money poured (and some sharps as well). DraftKings reported 76% of all tickets on the spread and 78% of the money on Cleveland, which has caused them – among other books – to move this line in the Browns’ favor.

BetMGM and FanDuel both still offer 7 points while PointsBet and Bet365 moved the number to 8.

The total is up from 44.5 points to 46.5 across the board. PointsBet is the best place to bet either the Over or Under.

Browns vs. Texans Picks

  • Spread: Browns -7 (-110 via BetMGM) ★★★★
  • Over/Under: Over 46.5 (-107 via PointsBet) ★★★★★
  • Prop: Amari Cooper over 4.5 receptions (-113 via FanDuel) ★★★★★

Check out our top Deshaun Watson prop picks.

Browns vs. Texans ATS Pick

Browns -7 (-110) ★★★★

Wide receiver Brandin Cooks is still out for the Texans. So is cornerback Derek Stingley, Jr. Running back Rex Burkhead is in danger of missing the game. These are just a few concerning nuggets for Houston before we even get to the fact that this team is incredibly overmatched.

I was a huge fan of the Browns entering this season given their strong play on both D and O-lines and their incredible rushing attack. Now, they’re set to debut Watson as they try to finish strong and get back in the playoff picture. 

This was already a mismatch given Houston’s 24th-ranked DVOA passing defense and 30th-ranked rushing D. Cleveland is surprisingly fourth in total offense DVOA, including eighth in passing. These receivers have a pretty profound impact, and things should continue to pick up now that a dual-threat QB, an MVP candidate not too long ago, is back.

Browns vs. Texans O/U Pick

Over 46.5 (-107) ★★★★★

If you don’t feel confident backing a four-win team to cover 7 points, I understand. I'd suggest the Over in that case.

As noted above, this is actually a top-five offense, mainly because it can run the ball. The Under cashed in just three of Cleveland’s games thanks to its stunning 376.9 yards per game and top-10 ranking in red zone conversion rate.

Cleveland’s defense is 30th in opponent points per game and a red zone 21st. Houston is sure to have a bit of success, at least on the ground with RB Dameon Pierce. That should be enough to get home comfortably.

Browns vs. Texans Prop Pick

Cooper over 4.5 receptions (-113) ★★★★★

Browns WR Amari Cooper has gone for 15 total receptions in the last two games combined and now hit more than 4.5 receptions in three of his previous four contests. He’s clearly the focal point of what’s been a surprisingly competent passing attack and should really continue with Watson entering the fold.

Don’t expect Watson to be super sharp, but in a way that almost helps Cooper out when it comes to his reception total. Cleveland will try to get the former Texans QB comfortable by drawing up some easy short-yardage throws to his best pass-catcher.

Where to Bet on Browns vs. Texans Picks

Here are our top-rated sportsbooks:

Browns vs. Texans picks made 12/3/2022 at 1:12 p.m. ET