Last meeting
Running back Chris Taylor ran for 99 yards and a touchdown in the Texans' 14-6 victory over the Browns on New Year's Eve 2006.
Streaks
The Texans have won the last two meetings to tie the overall series at 2-2.
Last week
The Texans shut out the Saints in the second half of their 23-10 victory and receiver Andre Johnson caught six passes for 120 yards and one touchdown in his return from a seven-game absence due to injury. The Browns escaped, 33-30, in an overtime thriller against the Ravens. Cleveland needed a last second-field goal from Phil Dawson to take the game into overtime. The kick, initially ruled no good, was later ruled successful after the officials discussed the play and correctly found that the ball had cleared the crossbar before hitting the extension and bouncing backwards onto the field of play. In the extra session, Derek Anderson drove the team into position so Dawson could kick the game-winning field goal.
At stake
The Texans aim for three consecutive wins in the same season for the first time in club history. Houston sits at the bottom of a strong AFC South, heading into a difficult stretch of the schedule. The Browns will try to win a fifth consecutive home game for first time since 1994 and have a legitimate shot at positioning themselves for a playoff spot as well.
Key matchup:
Texans receiver Andre Johnson vs. Browns pass defense. In the three games in which he has appeared this season, Johnson has collected at least 100 yards receiving and also has two 70-plus yard touchdown receptions. Johnson is back in the lineup for a second straight week and faces the worst-ranked defense in the league. The Browns have given up an NFL-worst 23 passing touchdowns this year. Quarterback Matt Schaub is hoping he can count on Johnson to run for big yardage after the catch, straight to the end zone against the Browns' subpar secondary.
