Injury Concerns for the Browns Ahead of Playoff Clash with Texans
The Cleveland Browns are facing a nerve-wracking period of uncertainty regarding the fitness of key players as they gear up for an all-important playoff game against the Houston Texans. Among those causing the most concern is Denzel Ward, the three-time Pro Bowl cornerback whose knee injury has put his participation in doubt.
Ward, who has missed three games this season due to various ailments, strategically sat out Week 18's contest to ensure his availability for the playoffs. However, his current knee issue casts a shadow over his readiness for Saturday's matchup. The Browns' secondary is already grappling with the absence of Pierre Strong Jr., who is sidelined by a back problem sustained in the final week against the Cincinnati Bengals. Strong's limited practice on Wednesday following no participation on Tuesday hints at a challenging road to recovery.
Browns' Injury Report Extends Beyond Ward and Strong
The injury bug hasn't been kind to the Browns, with a slew of players appearing on the injury report. Mike Ford, Deshaun Watson, Nick Chubb, Rodney McLeod, Grant Delpit, Dustin Hopkins, Maurice Hurst, Anthony Walker, and Jakeem Grant have all dealt with injuries recently. Additionally, Amari Cooper, Joel Bitonio, David Njoku, Greg Newsome, Ogbo Okoronkwo, Juan Thornhill, Ethan Pocic, Cedric Tillman, Kareem Hunt, Corey Bojorquez, Myles Garrett, and several others were listed on the injury report, signaling potential concerns across both sides of the ball.
Despite these challenges, the Browns remain slight favorites, with oddsmakers listing them as a 2.5-point favorite over the Texans. The game, which is scheduled for a 4:30 p.m. ET kickoff in Houston, promises to be a tightly contested affair.
Joe Flacco's Playoff Pedigree and Performance
On the other side of the field, Joe Flacco's postseason experience could prove pivotal. Boasting a commendable 10-5 playoff record, Flacco has demonstrated his prowess in high-stakes games. His track record against the spread is equally impressive, with an 11-4 record that includes covering seven consecutive games. The former Super Bowl XLVII MVP led the NFL in passing yards from Weeks 13-17, indicating a significant uptick in performance since his return to action.
Standout Performances and Defensive Dominance
The Browns' aerial attack has seen remarkable contributions from its key playmakers. Tight end David Njoku emerged as the NFL's leading receiver at his position during Weeks 13-17, while wide receiver Amari Cooper ranked third among all pass-catchers in receiving yards through the same span.
Defensively, the Browns have been nothing short of dominant. Their unit allows the fewest yards per game in the league at 270.2 and ranks second in fewest yards allowed per play at 4.8. This defensive rigor is a testament to the team's top-ranked defense, which also boasts yielding only 164.7 yards per game. Furthermore, their 18 interceptions tie them for third in the league, illustrating a propensity for creating turnovers.
Myles Garrett, a cornerstone of the Browns' defense, is not just leading the charge but is also at the forefront of the Defensive Player of the Year conversation. With an impressive tally of 14 sacks and four forced fumbles, Garrett's impact has been felt across every game he's played.
The Browns' overall performance against the spread is noteworthy, ending the regular season with a 10-6-1 ATS record, which could influence betting trends leading up to the weekend's fixture.
Final Thoughts
As the Browns finalize their preparations for the playoff showdown against the Texans, the focus will undoubtedly be on the health of their roster. The potential absence of key players like Denzel Ward and Pierre Strong Jr. could force adjustments to the game plan. Nonetheless, the depth and resilience shown by the team throughout the season, coupled with their defensive prowess and offensive firepower, position them as formidable opponents.
With the stage set for a riveting encounter in Houston, all eyes will be on whether the Browns can overcome their injury woes and capitalize on their status as favorites to advance deeper into the postseason. As for the Texans, countering the Browns' stout defense and containing their potent offense, especially if Ward and other injured players make a return, will be critical to their hopes of an upset victory.