The Browns hadn’t won a playoff game since the 2020 postseason entering Saturday’s game against the Texans. Houston hadn’t won a playoff game since the 2019 postseason.
Something had to give during the meeting between the No. 4 seed Texans and No. 5 seed Browns as they met to open the 2024 NFL playoffs.
Ultimately, it was the Texans who prevailed, blowing out the Browns 45-14 to advance to the divisional round of the playoffs.
The Texans’ rebuild is clearly well ahead of schedule. Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud starred once again, notching 274 yards and three touchdowns while posting a 157.2 passer rating against the Browns. Meanwhile, DeMeco Ryans’ defense limited the Browns’ running game to just 56 yards in a win-or-go-home game a week after the team limited the Colts to 17 points in a win-and-in contest.
Meanwhile, the Browns finally saw Joe Flacco struggle after a torrid stretch as the team’s starter. The veteran quarterback signed with the Browns’ practice squad during the year, with injuries depleting Cleveland’s quarterback room and led the team to a 4-1 record in his five starts.
However, Flacco threw two pick-sixes against the Texans to sink the Browns. The first came with the Browns threatening to cut into a 10-point Houston lead while the second came on the ensuing possession.
With the Texans prevailing, all attention will now go to their next opponent as Stroud and Ryans look to make history as the league’s most successful rookie coach and quarterback pairing.
MORE: Sporting News’ NFL experts make their playoff, Super Bowl 58 picks
Here’s a look at who the Texans could face in the divisional round.
NFL playoff bracket 2024
Who will the Texans play in the divisional round?
The Texans were the No. 4 seed in the AFC, so there are still a plethora of opponents the team could face in the divisional round. They are as follows.
No. 4 Texans at No. 1 Ravens
From the wild-card round to the divisional round, the No. 1 seed, who is on the bye this week, faces the lowest remaining seed available. So, if the Bills (No. 2) and the Chiefs (No. 3) both win their respective matchups, then the Texans will travel to Baltimore to play the top-seeded Ravens.
The Chiefs prevailed over the Dolphins 26-7. So now, only a Steelers upset of the Bills can prevent Houston from a date with Baltimore.
No. 4 Texans at No. 3 Chiefs
If the Steelers do beat the Bills, the Texans would travel to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs, as Pittsburgh would be the lowest remaining seed in the AFC. That would set up an AFC North battle between the No. 1 seed Ravens and No. 7 seed Steelers while Patrick Mahome sand C.J. Stroud would squad off in the No. 3 vs. No. 4 seed game.
