CJ Stroud makes his NFL playoff debut against the Browns. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Unexpected seasons from both the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans have left them facing off against each other in the wild card round of the playoffs.
After struggling with mediocre play and a season-ending injury to Deshaun Watson, the Browns found unlikely success following the arrival of Joe Flacco. Under a revitalized Flacco, who is 38 years old, the Browns' offense began to take off. They won four of their last five games and seven of their last ten.
On the other side of the coin is 22-year-old rookie quarterback CJ Stroud and the Texans. The Texans got off to a mediocre 3-3 start, but Stroud found his footing after the Week 7 bye and fell to 7-4 for the rest of the season, falling short of his remarkable rookie season.
This is Flacco's 16th career playoff game. It's the first for Stroud. Will experience win or will youth conquer age? Follow along as Yahoo Sports delivers the latest news, scores and highlights from Saturday's Wild Card game.
Live17 updates
Sat Jan 13, 2024 at 9:36pm GMT
Sat Jan 13, 2024 at 9:36pm GMT- Sat Jan 13, 2024 at 10:19pm GMT
Houston responds with a big pass play from Flacco to Harrison Bryant to end the first quarter. Cleveland is back in Houston territory and a shootout is looming:
- Sat Jan 13, 2024 at 10:12pm GMT
A quick strike from Houston puts the Texans in the end zone. A four-play, 75-yard drive ends with a 15-yard touchdown from CJ Stroud to Nico Collins. That connection paid off all season long and got the playoffs off to a good start. 10-7, Texans, the first quarter is coming to an end.
- Sat Jan 13, 2024 at 10:05pm GMT
Cleveland uses the big passing game. Kareem Hunt jumps over the goal line from the 1-yard line on third-and-goal to put the Browns on the field. 7-3, Browns late in the first game.
- Sat Jan 13, 2024 at 10:01pm GMT
Cleveland's offense comes alive. Joe Flacco hits David Njoku for a 45-yard gain to move into Texans territory. Njoku has been one of Flacco's favorite targets since Flacco took over at QB.
- Sat Jan 13, 2024 at 9:57 pm GMT
Cleveland's top-rated defense stays in the red zone. The Texans can't find the end zone after a first-and-goal at the 3-yard line. Towards the end of the first quarter they settled for a field goal and a 3-0 lead.
- Sat Jan 13, 2024 at 9:53 pm GMT
A big connection from CJ Stoud to Nico Collins for 38 yards puts the Texans inside the Cleveland 10. This duo continues to deliver.
- Sat Jan 13, 2024 at 9:48pm GMT
The Browns start their second drive at their own 8-yard line after a good push by the Texans
- Sat Jan 13, 2024 at 9:45pm GMT
The Texans picked up two first downs but stumbled after a third-down pass from CJ Stroud fell incomplete. Goalless draw after a single possession for each team.
- Sat Jan 13, 2024 at 9:39pm GMT
Cleveland scores on a six-yard opening drive. Houston has the ball and CJ Stroud will make his NFL postseason debut.
- Sat Jan 13, 2024 at 9:33pm GMT
Welcome to the playoffs. Houston won the coin toss and begins. The Browns will have the ball first.
- Sat Jan 13, 2024 at 9:32pm GMT
- Sat Jan 13, 2024 at 9:31pm GMT
- Sat Jan 13, 2024 at 8:52 pm GMT
- Sat Jan 13, 2024 at 8:51 pm GMT
- Sat Jan 13, 2024 at 8:08pm GMT
Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins is out for Saturday's game. Riley Patterson was called up from the practice squad and will kick against the Texans.
- Sat Jan 13, 2024 at 8:07 pm GMT