Week 1 overreactions are a helluva high, but even after the dust has settled, the Texans at +12.5 against the Browns in Week 2 is an appealing bet to consider. Houston shocked everyone in their opener against the Jaguars, scoring 37 points in a 16-point upset. The Texans kicked off as 3.5-point underdogs.QB1 Tyrod Taylor was stellar in his Houston debut, throwing for 291 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. He wasted no time developing chemistry with wideout Brandin Cooks, who capped the day with five catches for 132 yards including a 52-yard bomb.H-Town’s offense gained an impressive 450 total yards without a single turnover, and on the defensive end, they picked off Trevor Lawrence three times! Maybe we underestimated them after all.

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Still, it’s important to remember this win came against a Jacksonville team headlined by a rookie QB and coached by an already disgruntled Urban Meyer. Week 2 will be a better litmus test for where Houston stands.The Browns are coming off a disappointing 33-29 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, but Cleveland held a 22-10 lead at the half. Late-game turnovers, including a fumble by Nick Chubb, gave Patrick Mahomes all the air he needed – no pun intended. Bottom line is KC is a juggernaut, and the Browns coming *that* close to victory was as feel-good a loss as losses come.The Texans have their work cut out for them, but a 12.5-point spread gives them a *lot* of wiggle room.

The Takeaway

Cleveland is the heavy favorite to win this game for good reason, but Houston’s offense was dynamic in Week 1, and there’s reason to think they can cover the spread. Also, Odell Beckham Jr. won’t suit up on Sunday. Note: the Texans have covered the spread against the Browns in their last three matchups.