The Cleveland Browns look to come out of the bye with a win over the Houston Texans.
In their quest towards 10 wins, the 5-3 Browns will need to handle the 2-6 Texans.
The Texans are coming off a victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, but are still at the bottom of the overall AFC standings.
In order to keep building towards qualifying for the playoffs, the Browns will want to win these three matchups.
1. Browns Offensive Line vs. JJ Watt
For a defense that is as bad as Houstons, one can never count out the future Hall of Famer in JJ Watt.
The Texans pass rusher has been one of the lone bright spots this season.
On the year, Watt owns a stat line of 26 combined tackles and 4.0 sacks.
He’s also coming off collecting his 100th career sack on Sunday.
100th career sack for @JJWatt 👏
📺: #HOUvsJAX on CBS
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/ul5IFJEdQc pic.twitter.com/UwOhGODeFT— NFL (@NFL) November 8, 2020
Watt might not be playing like the 2018 version (16 sacks on the year), but he is still one of the best overall defenders in the game.
In order to keep the offense on the field, the offensive line will have to neutralize Watt.
Watt only has two sacks in his last six games, so it’s clearly possible.
The Browns just need to do it.
2. Texans Front Seven vs. Nick Chubb
All signs point that last year’s rushing runner-up, Nick Chubb, is set to return for Week 10.
Speaking of the #Browns, star RB Nick Chubb, out more than a month with an MCL sprain, is expected back at practice this week and the team is hopeful that he’ll play Sunday, source said. That would help an already stout run game.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 8, 2020
This is huge for the Browns as Chubb hasn’t played for the team since October 4th.
Kareem has filled in nicely, but in four games, Hunt didn’t score a single rushing touchdown.
This will be nice to get back to Chubb working as the “ground and pound” back and Hunt the receiving back.
If the Texans want to stay within reach, their unit will have to stop Chubb.
Good luck.
3. Baker Mayfield vs. Bradley Roby
This holds a huge “if.”
Roby didn’t suit up for the team’s game against the Jaguars, citing a personal issue.
Romeo Crennel said on leaving CB Bradley Roby in Houston "A personal deal that we made together." – Would not elaborate. #Texans
— Anthony Wood (@arwoodNFL) November 8, 2020
The 28-year old is the best defender from the secondary and would likely be placed on Jarvis Landry.
Roby owns 26 combined tackles and five passes defended this season.
He is on pace to record the second-most tackles in his career.
In order to pick apart the Texans’ defense, that starts by beating Roby on coverage.
Can Mayfield set up Landry, Rashard Higgins, Austin Hooper, and Harrison Bryant up for success?
That starts by getting the edge of Roby if he plays.
NEXT: What Nick Chubb's Presence On The Field Means For The Browns
