The Cleveland Browns have a chance to make franchise and NFL history when they host the Houston Texans in Week 10. A win on Sunday would give Cleveland a 4-0 home record for the first time since 1963, ending a drought that has lasted 59 seasons.
The Browns have won each of their three home games so far this season at Huntington Bank Field. They have beaten the Carolina Panthers, Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens in Cleveland. Their matchup with Houston is the next opportunity to extend that perfect home record—and reach a mark the team has not achieved in more than six decades.
The gap is notable even by NFL standards. Cleveland’s 59-season stretch without opening a season 4-0 at home is 25 seasons longer than any other comparable drought in league history. A victory would therefore be more than another result in the standings: it would end a long-running franchise streak.
Houston will present a challenge, however. The Texans defeated the Browns 45-14 in their previous meeting, in the 2023 Wild Card playoffs. That result gives Cleveland a difficult recent postseason memory against its Week 10 opponent, though the upcoming game offers the Browns a chance to respond on their home field.
## Watson expected back under center
Quarterback Deshaun Watson is expected to return after missing Week 9 because of a concussion. His availability could be important for a Cleveland offense that has struggled to produce consistently this season.
The Browns are averaging 307.8 total yards per game, ranking 24th in the NFL. Their passing game averages 210.4 yards per contest, placing 20th, while the rushing attack is averaging 97.9 yards per game and ranks 25th.
Those figures reflect the challenge Cleveland has faced in finding balance and sustaining production on offense. The Browns will look to improve their output as they take on Houston, while Watson’s expected return could provide a boost. His return is not a guarantee that the offense will immediately improve, but it gives Cleveland another opportunity to address its struggles.
Protecting the football will also be important. Cleveland has lost eight fumbles and thrown three interceptions on offense. Those turnovers have been a concern, and avoiding further mistakes could help the Browns make the most of their home-field opportunity.
## Cleveland’s defense could shape the matchup
The Browns have received stronger results from their pass defense. Cleveland ranks sixth in the NFL against the pass, allowing 201 passing yards per game. The defense has also produced 12 turnovers, including six interceptions and six forced fumbles.
Run defense has been less effective. The Browns rank 27th in the league, giving up an average of 130.6 rushing yards per game. Houston’s ability to challenge Cleveland on the ground could make that an important area to watch, while the Browns will look to use their stronger pass defense and turnover production to limit the Texans.
Cleveland enters Week 10 with a 5-4 record and remains in the AFC North race. The Browns are one victory behind both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals. Houston comes into the matchup with a 3-3 record.
A win would matter in two ways for Cleveland. It would help the Browns stay close to the top of the division, and it would move them to 4-0 at home for the first time since 1963. After three consecutive home victories, the team has a chance to turn its strong start at Huntington Bank Field into a milestone that has eluded the franchise for 59 seasons.
