How Did the Browns vs. Texans Spread Affect the C.J. Stroud Injury Update?
This Sunday, the Houston Texans were the original -2.5-point favorites over the Cleveland Browns. But the spread has suddenly changed as word emerged throughout the night that rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud will probably miss a second straight week of action due to a concussion.
The Browns are now favored to win by the exact same amount that Houston was favored to open, 2.5 points, according to the SI Sportsbook.
Given that Joe Flacco is the fourth quarterback to start for them this season, Cleveland is no stranger to lines shifting as a result of quarterback injuries. The opponent’s quarterback’s health is affecting the Browns’ offensive line for the second time in three weeks; the same thing occurred two weeks ago when Trevor Lawrence’s availability for Jacksonville was called into question. Despite suffering a severe ankle sprain during Monday Night Football in Week 14, Lawrence managed to play in the game against Cleveland.
Even without Stroud, the Texans remain a dangerous team, even though the Browns are now favored to win according to the bookmakers. They defeated the Titans 19–16 in OT this past weekend while he was sidelined, starting former Brown Case Keenum.
During the victory, Keenum completed his passing for 229 yards, one touchdown, and one pick. If Stroud is unable to travel, he would return as Houston’s starting. Granted, the Titans defense this season isn’t quite up to Cleveland’s, but there are some significant statistical differences that the team experiences when playing away from home. The Browns most noticeably allow over 30 points per game when playing away from home as opposed to 13 points per game when playing at home.
The Texans haven’t officially ruled out Stroud for Sunday, for what that’s worth. In an attempt to make progress toward playing on Sunday, he will continue to follow the league’s concussion protocol this week. As the week goes on, the line will probably be affected even more by any developments regarding the Ohio State product’s status.