Cleveland Browns knocked out of NFL playoffs in blowout loss to Houston Texans

HOUSTON — The clock struck midnight for the Browns Saturday evening in Houston.

It struck midnight on the Browns' self-proclaimed "Best Defense in the World." It struck midnight on the comeback story that was quarterback Joe Flacco. It struck midnight on the Browns' third playoff appearance in the last 25 seasons.

All of that occurred in easily the Browns' worst all-around performance of the season in a 45-14 loss to the Houston Texans in Saturday's AFC wild card game.

The Browns led 14-10 with 12:18 remaining in the second quarter after Kareem Hunt scored his second touchdown of the afternoon. The Texans then scored the next 35 points, including two defensive touchdowns, to send Cleveland home.

The loss came six days after Browns finished the regular season 11-6, tied for the second-most wins in franchise history. The Texans, who went from 3-13-1 last season to AFC South champions, now await their opponent in the AFC divisional round.

The Browns got a first-hand look at why the Texans were able to do so, as rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud was 16-of-21 passing for 274 yards and three touchdowns and a 157.2 passer rating. Stroud had not played when the Browns beat the Texans 36-22 in Week 16 because of a concussion.

That game, Flacco threw for 368 yards in Houston. That total included a franchise-record 265 yards by wide receiver Amari Cooper.

In the playoff rematch, Flacco was 34-of-46 passing for 307 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions — both of which were returned for touchdowns — and an 80.6 passer rating. He was also sacked four times.

Here's how the Browns' final game of the season unfolded in a disappointing loss in Texas:

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud's day finished

Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud day ended after guiding them to a touchdown run by Devin Singletary. He was replaced with 9:22 remaining by Davis Mills.

Stroud finished 16-of-21 passing for 274 yards and three touchdowns and a 157.2 passer rating.

Browns give ball back to Texans on fourth-down stop

The Browns tried to mount some climb to respectability after falling into a 45-14 hole early in the fourth quarter. They drove to the Cleveland 43, where it was fourth and 3.

Quarterback Joe Flacco's pass was incomplete, as tight end David Njoku couldn't hold onto the ball. That gave the Texans the ball back with 9:22 remaining.

James Hudson III returns at right tackle for Browns

Right tackle James Hudson III was back in the game when the Browns took the field with 13:27 remaining in the game. Hudson had departed late in the third quarter.

No word was given as to the nature of the injury.

Devin Singletary adds to Browns' worst day of the season

Texans running back Devin Singletary got into the act of adding to the Browns' woes early in the fourth quarter. Singletary ran untouched for 19 yards and a touchdown with 13:27 remaining.

The score made it 45-14 Texans in what has been an all-systems-failure for the Browns.

C.J. Stroud hears 'M-V-P' chants as Texans take 38-14 lead into 4th quarter

Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud was 15-of-20 passing for 263 yards with three touchdowns and a 156.2 passer rating through three quarters. As the quarter was winding down, the Houston fans were chanting "M-V-P" toward the former Ohio State standout.

Browns right tackle James Hudson III leaves with injury

Things continued to devolve for the Browns in the second half. Right tackle James Hudson III left with trainers following a play with about 2:45 remaining in the third quarter.

Hudson had appeared to be shaken up early in the game, but never left. This time, he went to the medical tent.

There was no immediate word on the injury.

Joe Flacco throws a second pick six as Browns careen toward offseason

Joe Flacco threw more touchdowns to the Houston Texans than he did to his Browns teammates through the first 41 minutes of the game. The drive after the Browns quarterback threw a pick six to Texans cornerback Steven Nelson, he threw one to linebacker Christian Harris.

Harris stepped in front of a fourth and 2 pass intended for tight end Harrison Bryant and picked it off. He returned it 36 yards to give Houston a 38-14 lead with 4:06 remaining.

Steven Nelson's pick six allows Texans to open up three-score lead

Quarterback Joe Flacco had played a smart game through a little more than two quarters. He had just helped drive the Browns to the Houston 34 with a 16-yard pass to David Bell to convert a second and 16.

Then, while under pressure from Houston's Derek Barnett, Flacco let an errant pass go. Houston's Steven Nelson intercepted the wobbly pass and returned it 82 yards for a 31-14 Texans lead with 6:05 left in the third quarter.

Browns get key stop on Texans' opening 3rd-quarter drive

The Browns defense absolutely needed to open the second half with a stop. They were able to get that thanks to the player who has arguably been their best defensive player today, linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.

The Texans had third and 3 from their own 43, and quarterback C.J. Stroud threw a swing pass to receiver Nico Collins. However, Owusu-Koramoah blew up the play and dropped Collins for a 1-yard loss.

Halftime: Houston Texans 24, Cleveland Browns 14

The Browns went to the locker room facing their largest halftime deficit since trailing the Baltimore Ravens 21-3 in Week 4. The Texans had a 286-179 advantage in total yards.

Browns quarterback Joe Flacco was solid when he actually had time to throw: 15 of 19 for 172 yards, a touchdown and 121.9 passer rating.

'Best Defense in the World' continues to get burnt by Texans offense

The Browns defense continued to get torched by rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. This time, it was a 37-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dalton Schultz to make it 24-14 with 1:11 remaining in the half.

Stroud was 11 of 16 for 236 yards with three touchdowns and a 151.0 passer rating in the first half against the defense that was ranked No. 1 in the regular season against the pass.

Browns stacking punts since early second-quarter lead

The Browns took a 14-10 lead with just over 12 minutes remaining in the second quarter. Since then, they've run eight total plays and netted just 8 yards.

One possession was partially sabotaged by a missed pass interference flag on Houston when tight end David Njoku was grabbed before the first-down pass reached him. The second gained a first down, but could not go any further.

C.J. Stroud's overthrow saves Browns, Ronnie Hickman

The Texans had third and 13 from their own 41 when they elected to try to go for it all. Quarterback C.J. Stroud let it fly for receiver Nico Collins, who was wide open inside the Browns 10.

The ball, though, landed just a few feet past Collins' fingers and fell incomplete. Safety Ronnie Hickman was the closest Browns defensive back, 10 yards behind Collins, who seemed to given a free release by cornerback Denzel Ward on the play.

Laremy Tunsil back in game for Texans at left tackle

Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil had no sooner been listed as questionable to return than he was back on the field for the Texans. He returned with 10:17 left in the second quarter.

Laremy Tunsil, Joel Bitonio both questionable to return with injuries

Two Pro Bowl players are questionable to return for the game. They're also each team's best offensive lineman.

Texans left tackle Laremy Tunsil is questionable to return with a knee injury. Browns left guard Joel Bitonio is questionable with an ankle injury.

Texans need just one play to answer Browns TD with one of their own

The Browns lead lasted just 18 seconds. On the first Houston play after the Cleveland touchdown, Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud threw a screen-pass to the right side to tight end Brevin Jordan, who ran 75 yards to the end zone for a 17-14 Houston lead.

Browns cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. missed a chance to tackle Jordan on the sideline shortly after he passed the initial first-down marker. After that, Jordan had an open lane to the end zone.

Kareem Hunt scores again to give Browns lead again

The Browns didn't allow Joel Bitonio's loss to prevent them from finishing the drive. Three plays after the left guard departed, quarterback Joe Flacco threw a quick middle screen to running back Kareem Hunt, who slipped through the defense to score an 11-yard touchdown for a 14-10 Browns lead with 12:18 left in the second quarter.

Left guard Joel Bitonio goes to the locker room with injury

The Browns sustained a huge loss on the second play of the second quarter when left guard Joel Bitonio had to be helped off the field after a 4-yard run by running back Jerome Ford with just under 14 minutes remaining.

Bitonio ran right to the locker room with trainers behind him. Michael Dunn came in to replace him.

There has been no official update on Bitonio's status.

End 1st quarter: Houston Texans 10, Cleveland Browns 7

The Browns trailed at the end of the first quarter. However, a 47-yard pass from Joe Flacco to Harrison Bryant has them on the Texans 28 to open the second quarter.

Houston had a 144-133 first-quarter edge in total yards.

Nico Collins TD catch gives Texans lead again, but Laremy Tunsil hurt

The Texans offense marched right down the field to give an answer to the Browns' score. They needed just four plays, the last of them a 16-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud to Nico Collins, to take a 10-7 lead with 11 seconds left in the first quarter.

On the point-after try, Houston Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil appeared to injure his right knee. Teammate Josh Jones looked to have rolled into Tunsil's knee.

Joe Flacco goes deep to set up Kareem Hunt TD run for Browns

Quarterback Joe Flacco let it fly on the Browns' first play after the Texans field goal. He hit tight end David Njoku for a 45-yard catch on a play-action pass to the Houston 39.

Flacco followed up with an 8-yard pass to Njoku and a 14-yard pass to receiver Amari Cooper to set up first and goal at the Texans 8. Running back Kareem Hunt capped the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run with 2:09 left in the first quarter to give the Browns a 7-3 lead.

Flacco was 4 of 4 for 70 yards on the drive.

Greg Newsome II recovers from being beaten to hold Texans to field goal

Cornerback Greg Newsome II was beaten on a 38-yard third-down pass from Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud to receiver Nico Collins that put Houston at the Browns 3. However, on third-and-goal from the Browns 2, Newsome also made the break-up on a throw to Robert Woods to keep the Texans out of the end zone.

Houston ended up with a 21-yard field goal by Ka'imi Fairbairn to take a 3-0 lead with 5:29 remaining in the first quarter

Texans force a three and out, and Browns shank the punt

Punter Corey Bojorquez has been generally really good for the Browns this season. However, his second punt was not a good one.

After the Browns were forced to punt after going three and out, Bojorquez's punt was shanked to the right. It ended up going out of bounds at the Cleveland 45.

Browns force a punt, but Texans flip the field

The Texans hit the first big play of the game, a 21-yard completion from quarterback C.J. Stroud to receiver Nico Collins to the Houston 41. They got to their own 48 thanks to an offsides call on Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, although it appeared left tackle Laremy Tunslil moved first.

After safety Juan Thornhill broke up the third-and-3 pass intended for Houston's Noah Brown, the Texans punted. The punt, though, was a good one and James Proche II was hit immediately after fielding it at the Browns 8.

Denzel Ward, Juan Thornhill start for Browns defense

The Texans started at their own 17 after the Browns were forced to punt to end their first possession. The Browns defense came out in its base, which included Denzel Ward at cornerback and Juan Thornhill at safety.

The starting lineup was:

• DE: Myles Garrett

• DT: Shelby Harris

• DT: Dalvin Tomlinson

• DE: Za'Darius Smith

• LB: Sione Takitaki

• LB: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah

• LB: Tony Fields II

• S: D’Anthony Bell

• CB: Martin Emerson Jr.

• CB: Denzel Ward

• S: Juan Thornhill

Cleveland Browns open the playoffs with the football

The Browns lost the coin toss, but the Texans deferred the choice to the second half. Cleveland took the ball, and started with James Proche II deep to receive the kick, which went into end zone for a touchback.

The opening lineup on offense for the Browns was:

• QB: Joe Flacco

• RB: Jerome Ford

• TE: David Njoku

• WR: Amari Cooper

• WR: Elijah Moore

• WR: David Bell

• LT: Geron Christian

• LG: Joel Bitonio

• C: Ethan Pocic

• RG: Wyatt Teller

• RT: James Hudson III

Cornerback Denzel Ward, safety Juan Thornhill active for Cleveland Browns secondary

Denzel Ward was a concern for the Browns on Thursday afternoon. On Saturday afternoon, he became a concern for the Houston Texans.

Ward was cleared to play in Saturday's AFC wild card game against the Texans. A knee injury during Thursday's practice raised questions about his availability, but he was active for the game.

Ward's availability was coupled with another secondary starter being active after having been questionable coming into the game. Safety Juan Thornhill was active after being questionable with a calf injury which had sidelined him for four of the final five games.

While Ward and Thornhill were active, a key part of the special teams group wasn't. Running back/kick return Pierre Strong Jr. was inactive due to the back injury he sustained in the regular-season finale at Cincinnati.

Also inactive due to injury for the Browns were: kicker Dustin Hopkins (left hamstring) and receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion). The other inactive Browns were quarterback Jeff Driskel (third quarterback), cornerback Kahlef Hailassie, center Luke Wypler and defensive end Isaiah McGuire.

Jonathan Greenard, Will Anderson Jr. active for Houston Texans

To no one's surprise, the Texans pass-rush duo of Jonathan Greenard and Will Anderson Jr. were both active and expected to start. Both had been questionable with ankle injuries.

The No. 3 quarterback was Case Keenum, who started the Christmas Eve game in Week 16 in place of an injured Stroud. Also inactive for Houston were defensive end Jerry Hughes, guard Nick Broeker, tight end Eric Saubert and defensive tackle Teair Tart.

How to watch, stream and listen to the Cleveland Browns at Houston Texans AFC wild card game

• TV channel: NBC WKYC-TV (Channel 3)

• Stream: Peacock.

• Announcers: Noah Eagle (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (analyst) and Kathryn Tappen (sideline reporter).

How to listen to the Cleveland Browns at Houston Texans AFC wild card game on the radio

• The Cleveland Browns Radio Network will carry the game, with Jim Donovan (play-by-play), Nathan Zegura (analyst) and Je'Rod Cherry (sideline reporter) on the call. Among the affiliates in the Akron-Canton area are WAKR-AM 1590, WONE-FM 97.5, WHBC-AM 1480, WQKT-FM 104.5, WKRK-FM 92.3, WKNR-AM 850 and WNCX-FM 98.5. It can also be heard on Sirius/XM, either on channel 138 or 381.

• Westwood One radio is broadcasting the game nationally. Ian Eagle (play-by-play), Jason McCourty (analyst) and A.J. Ross (sideline reporter) will be on the call.

• The Browns have also started a Spanish-language broadcast, with Rafael “Rafa” Hernández-Brito (play-by-play) and Octavio Sequera (analyst) on the call. Games will be streamed on La Mega Cleveland, as well as heard on WNZN-FM 89.1 in Lorain and WVKO-FM 103.1 in Columbus.

Browns-Texans odds, money line, over/under

• Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:30 a.m. ET, Saturday.

• Moneyline (ML): Browns -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Texans +120 (bet $100 to win $120)

• Against the spread: Browns -2.5 (-110) | Texans +2.5 (-110)

• Over/Under (O/U): 44.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans injury report

• Browns: Safety Juan Thornhill (calf), questionable; kicker Dustin Hopkins (left hamstring), out; cornerback Denzel Ward (knee), questionable; safety Grant Delpit (groin), out; cornerback Mike Ford Jr. (calf), questionable; running back Pierre Strong Jr. (back), questionable; receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion), out.

• Texans: Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (ankle), questionable; fullback Andrew Beck (calf), questionable; receiver Noah Brown (back), questionable; defensive tackle Maliek Collins (hip), questionable; defensive end Jonathan Greenard (ankle), questionable; defensive end Jerry Hughes (ankle), out; defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (shoulder), questionable; receiver Robert Woods (hip), questionable.

Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans in Week 18

The Browns finished the regular season 11-6 with a 31-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. Cleveland essentially rested all of its primary contributors due to its playoff spot having been locked up.

The Texans finished 10-7 in the regular season and set themselves up to win the AFC South with a 23-19 win over the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. That win, coupled with the Jacksonville Jaguars' loss to the Tennessee Titans the next day, gave Houston the division title. Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud was 20 of 26 for 264 yards and two touchdowns and a 134.1 passer rating in the game. Receiver Nico Collins had nine catches for 195 yards and a touchdown for the Texans.

Cleveland Browns vs. Houston Texans series

Saturday's game will be the 15th meeting including both the regular season and playoffs between the Browns and the Houston Texans. The series dates back to 2002, the first year the Texans played in the NFL as an expansion team. This is the first playoff matchup.

• Overall: Tied 7-7

• In regular season: Tied 7-7

• In playoffs: First meeting

• In Cleveland: Browns 4-2

• In Houston: Texans 5-3

• Streak: Browns won the last four meetings

• Last meeting: Browns won 36-22 in Houston on Dec. 24, 2023

Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on Twitter at @ceasterlingABJ

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Browns knocked out of playoffs in blowout loss to Texans