The Browns went 8-9 and finished third in the AFC North, a year after they went 11-5 in 2020.
Kevin Stefanski is in his third season as an NFL head coach. The previous 14 seasons before 2020 were spent as an assistant in Minnesota. He began his career there as an assistant to the head coach and ascended all the way to offensive coordinator. He's guided the Browns to a 23-21 mark through two-plus seasons.
The two franchises have met 12 times. After dropping the first two contests in 2002 and 2005, the Texans have won seven of the next nine.
Notable Browns: RB Nick Chubb, WR Amari Cooper, DE Myles Garrett, QB Deshaun Watson
Several Texans have spent time in Cleveland. From 2014 through 2018, Linebacker Christian Kirksey played for the Browns. Defensive Back Eric Murray was a Brown in 2019, while fellow Defensive Back Tavierre Thomas was there from 2018 through 2020. Defensive Back M.J. Stewart played the previous two seasons in Cleveland, while Offensive Lineman Justin McCray was a Brown in 2019.
Watson played Quarterback in Houston from 2017 through 2020. Defensive End Jadeveon Clowney played for the Texans from 2014 through 2018. Tight End Pharaoh Brown was in Houston from 2020 through 2022, and Offensive Lineman Greg Mancz played for the Texans from 2015 through 2020.