Texans advance in blowout game against Browns, next Wild Card opponent to be determined

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- For the first time since the 2019 season, the Houston Texans advance to the AFC Divisional Playoffs next weekend after a win against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday.

Depending on who wins in the following NFL Wild Card games, Texans could be playing against the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, or Miami Dolphins.

See game highlights below.

4TH QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS:

Texans running back Devin Singletary scores a 19-yard touchdown drive early in the fourth quarter.

3RD QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS:

Another big sack by Texans' Harris closing out the quarter.

Texans linebacker Christian Harris intercepted Browns' Flacco and scored a touchdown, leading the way with 38 - 14 in the third quarter.

Texans cornerback Steven Nelson intercepts Browns' Flacco and scores an 82-yard touchdown, putting the score at 31 - 14.

Stroud has reached a new record with the second-most passing yards ever by a rookie, including postseason, with 4,360 passing yards. He surpassed Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, who has 4,336 passing yards.

2ND QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS:

The 2nd quarter began with Cleveland retaking the lead, but not for long after a 76-yard touchdown throw from C.J. Stroud to Brevin Jordan put the score at 17 - 14 with Texans leading.

As the quarter closed out, Texans tight end Dalton Schultz completed a 71-yard drive thrown by C.J. Stroud putting the score at 24 - 14.

In the last play of the first half, Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. sacked Cleveland quarterback Joe Flacco as he made an incomplete pass.

1ST QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS:

Kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn put Houston ahead with a 21-yard field goal setting them up for a strong start in the first quarter.

Not long after, Cleveland scored a go-ahead touchdown.

Texans answered the Browns' field goal with a 15-yard touchdown throw from C.J. Stroud to Nico Collins.

INJURIES:

Texans wide receiver Noah Brown has been ruled out of the game after hurting his shoulder in a collision with Browns safety Juan Thornhill.

PRE-GAME DETAILS:

The only players still with the Texans who were also part of the team's last playoff game are left tackle Laremy Tunsil, long snapper Jon Weeks, and kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn.

The marquee members of the Texans, 10-and-7 this season and AFC South Division champs, are rookies-first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans, rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, and rookie defensive lineman Will Anderson Junior.

Stroud and Ryans are the first rookie head coach and rookie quarterback combination to make the NFL playoffs since Andrew Luck and Chuck Pagano did it with the Colts in 2012.

The Texans, who won just three games last season, beat the Colts 23-19 last week to earn their playoff berth, and Jacksonville's loss to Tennessee Sunday made them AFC South champions.

If the Texans defeat the Browns, they'll advance to the AFC Divisional Playoffs next weekend. Because the NFL re-seeds in the playoffs, the Texans' opponent will not be known until all Wild Card games are completed. With a victory, the Texans would travel to Baltimore, Buffalo, Kansas City, or host Miami.