Baker Mayfield was doing a lot of talking last week after his Cleveland Browns looked to be on top of their game against the Cincinnati Bengals. This week was a different story, as they ran in to a red hot Houston Texans team that continue to push their 0-3 start to the season far behind them. The Texans won their ninth straight game on Sunday, beating the Browns, 29-13, on their home field. Deshaun Watson was supported well by his defense while throwing for 244 yards and a touchdown pass to Jordan Thomas for the first-place Texans. With the Indianapolis Colts' 6-0 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Texans now hold a three-game lead in the AFC South.
The Texans' defense intercepted Mayfield three times, all in the first half, and forced four turnovers overall in their fifth home win. That, along with the Texans not turning the ball over, helped them overcome getting out-gained by the Browns, 428-384. Ka'imi Fairbairn also played a big role with his foot, connecting on field goals of 35, 42, 48, 53, and 38 yards.
Houston scored the game's first 23 points before the Browns found the end zone in the third quarter, as they snapped the Browns' recent hot run. Mayfield came in to play throwing nine touchdowns and one interception in the past three games. That helped them win consecutive games for the first time since 2014, but they now fall to 4-7-1 on the season. Their rookie quarterback finished with 397 yards passing and a touchdown pass in the fourth.
For the Texans, Lamar Miller stayed hot after a big Monday night game, running for 103 yards, recording his second straight 100-yard game and fourth of the season. Wide receiver Deandre Hopkins added seven catches for 91 yards, while Demaryius Thomas added four catches as Watson's top two targets on the day.
Nick Chubb found the end zone on the ground for the Browns, who fell to 9-39 in December and January games since 2008. They will return home next week against the Carolina Panthers, while the Texans will play host to the second-place Colts that same day.
The Texans' defense intercepted Mayfield three times, all in the first half, and forced four turnovers overall in their fifth home win. That, along with the Texans not turning the ball over, helped them overcome getting out-gained by the Browns, 428-384. Ka'imi Fairbairn also played a big role with his foot, connecting on field goals of 35, 42, 48, 53, and 38 yards.
Houston scored the game's first 23 points before the Browns found the end zone in the third quarter, as they snapped the Browns' recent hot run. Mayfield came in to play throwing nine touchdowns and one interception in the past three games. That helped them win consecutive games for the first time since 2014, but they now fall to 4-7-1 on the season. Their rookie quarterback finished with 397 yards passing and a touchdown pass in the fourth.
For the Texans, Lamar Miller stayed hot after a big Monday night game, running for 103 yards, recording his second straight 100-yard game and fourth of the season. Wide receiver Deandre Hopkins added seven catches for 91 yards, while Demaryius Thomas added four catches as Watson's top two targets on the day.
Nick Chubb found the end zone on the ground for the Browns, who fell to 9-39 in December and January games since 2008. They will return home next week against the Carolina Panthers, while the Texans will play host to the second-place Colts that same day.