What happened: The Cleveland Browns will start quarterback Deshaun Watson against the Houston Texans. Watson reclaims the starting role after being listed as questionable on the team's injury report.
Why it matters: Cleveland sits at 5-4 and holds the eighth seed in the AFC following a 23-22 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Watson faces the franchise that drafted him 12th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft out of Clemson. The Browns stood pat at the trade deadline and rely on Watson to anchor their push in a tight conference wild-card race.
By the numbers: Watson has completed 163 of 249 passes for 1,806 yards with 7 touchdowns and 3 interceptions in 2026 through 8 games.
What to watch: Cleveland prepares for kickoff against Houston with Watson back under center. Final practice designations will establish his full clearance heading into the weekend.