What happened: Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken praised Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud on Wednesday, calling confidence "a powerful thing." Stroud enters the upcoming game having earned his second AFC Offensive Player of the Week honor of the season.
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. Houston travels to Cleveland fresh off a 44-22 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers as both AFC contenders position for postseason berths.
By the numbers: Stroud has recorded four 300-yard passing games and two AFC Offensive Player of the Week awards in 2026. Cleveland enters at 5-4 having scored 22 points in its last outing, while Houston posted 44 points in its Week 9 win.
What to watch: Cleveland faces Houston next as the Browns look to halt a two-game losing streak against the Texans' high-powered offense.