NFL Wildcard Game 2024: Schedule, TV Channel, kick-off time, and How to watch Houston Texans vs. Cleveland Browns

The NFL playoffs are upon us. This year’s Wild Card round will begin on Saturday, and the first game will be played between two AFC teams, the Houston Texans and the Cleveland Browns. Both of these teams have surprised a lot of people by qualifying for the playoffs. 

The Texans, led by rookie QB CJ Stroud, had a spectacular season, whereas the Browns dealt with QB uncertainty throughout the campaign but still found a way to get in. 

The Texans finished the season with a record of 10-7, whereas the Browns held a record of 11-6. The Browns finished second in their division, behind the Baltimore Ravens. The Texans, on the other hand, won the AFC South.

Houston came into the season with the second overall pick in the draft. They selected Ohio State QB CJ Stroud, and that proved to be the right decision.

The rookie QB mesmerized the whole league with his play and is now the favorite to win the Rookie of the Year award. They defeated a lot of good teams en route to clinching the division title.

The Browns, on the other hand, had a difficult 2022 season. With QB Deshaun Watson suspended for the team’s first 11 games, the Browns had an inconsistent season. Coming into this year, there was a lot of intrigue surrounding the Cleveland-based side. They got their star QB back from suspension and went to work.

However, Watson was ruled out for the season due to a shoulder injury, and the Browns had to start their rookie QB, Dorian Thompson-Robinson. 

The rookie, though, also suffered an injury, and in came veteran Joe Flacco. The Super Bowl winner came in, led the Browns to a 4-1 record, and helped them get into the playoffs. 

Both teams played each other in week 15. The Browns won that game comfortably on the back of a 368-yard, 3-tackle performance from Flacco. Cleveland has won their last four matchups against the Texans and has an overall record of 7-7.

Here’s all one needs to know about the Wild Card game between the Houston Texans and the Cleveland Browns.

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What time is the AFC Wild Card game?

• Game: Houston Texans vs. Cleveland Browns
• Day: Saturday, January 13
• Time: 4:30 P.M. ET (3:30 P.M. CT)
• Where: NRG Stadium, Houston

What channel is the AFC Wild Card game on?

• Game: Houston Texans vs. Cleveland Browns
• Date: Saturday, January 13
• Where to watch: NBC

Fans can watch the Houston Texans vs. Cleveland Browns game on NBC by using a dependable over-the-air antenna or a cable login. The announcers for the game will be Noah Eagle (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (analyst), and Kathryn Tappen (sideline reporter).

NFL live streaming for AFC Wild Card Game

Viewers can stream the game using Sling or YouTube TV, FuboTV (which provides a free trial period), or the NBC Peacock app (subscription required). Listeners can enjoy the game on SiriusXM.

Houston Texans vs. Cleveland Browns Predicted Lineup

In addition to losing Tank Dell to a season-ending leg injury in the team’s game against the Denver Broncos on December 3, the Texans have been thin at wide receiver and defensive line. Team sack leader Jonathan Greenard has been sidelined due to an ankle injury at this time.

Kicker Dustin Hopkins of the Cleveland Browns has missed the last two games due to a hamstring injury he sustained against the Houston Texans in Week 16.

It appears that he won’t be available when the 2024 playoffs start, and he plays against the same team. However, safety Grant Delpit has “a chance” to be activated off injured reserve this week.

NFL Odds and Betting Lines for Texans vs. Browns

Here are the NFL odds and Betting lines, according to SportsLine, for the Houston Texans vs. Cleveland Browns game on Saturday.

• Browns vs. Texans spread: Browns -2.5
• Browns vs. Texans over/under: 44.5 points
• Browns vs. Texans money line: Browns -141, Texans +119
• CLE: Browns are 10-6 against the spread this season 
• HOU: Texans are 9-7 against the spread this season

Why the Houston Texans can win?

The Texans’ rookie quarterback, C.J. Stroud, demonstrated impressive efficiency in leading the team to a victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 18.

The Texans won their first AFC South title since 2019 thanks to Stroud, who completed 76.9% of his passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns against Indianapolis. With just five interceptions during the season, the former Ohio State standout has completed 4,108 yards of passing with 23 touchdowns.

Stroud has quickly built a solid rapport with wide receiver Nico Collins. The receiver has scored a touchdown in four of his last six games and finished with 80 or more receiving yards in four of his previous six games.

In their season-opening encounter, he scored a touchdown against the Browns, and on Saturday, he is expected to play a significant role in Houston’s offensive strategy.

Why the Cleveland Browns can win?

Despite having one of the best defenses in the NFL, Cleveland seemed doomed to lose the season after quarterback Deshaun Watson underwent season-ending shoulder surgery.

However, in order to add depth, the Browns signed Joe Flacco in November. Since he was announced as the starting quarterback in early December, the team seems to have found its rhythm again.

In his five starts, Flacco guided the Browns to a 4-1 record. In his last four games, he has thrown for multiple touchdowns and at least 300 yards.

With an offense that looks capable once again and a defense that leads the NFL in yards allowed (4,593), the Browns should continue to be a formidable opponent in the remaining AFC games.

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