Quick answer
- Winner
- Cleveland Browns
- Final score
- Cleveland Browns 36–22 Houston Texans
- Halftime
- Cleveland Browns 22–7 Houston Texans at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- Amari Cooper
- Top passer
- Joe Flacco
- Biggest EPA play
- (12:16) 53-N.Harris reported in as eligible. 15-J.Flacco pass deep left to 2-A.Cooper for …
- Game date
- 2023-12-24
Game summary
The Cleveland Browns beat the Houston Texans 36–22 on 2023-12-24. Amari Cooper posted a game-high +24.68 total EPA in the receiving.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 23 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Cleveland Browns | 7 | 15 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 36 |
 Houston Texans | 0 | 7 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 22 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
CLECleveland Browns
(13:23) (Shotgun) Direct snap to 34-J.Ford. 34-J.Ford right end for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
7-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-13-C.Bojorquez.
(12:16) 53-N.Harris reported in as eligible. 15-J.Flacco pass deep left to 2-A.Cooper for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on HOU-37-D.Ross, Defensive Pass Interference, declined.
7-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-13-C.Bojorquez.
7-D.Hopkins kicks 63 yards from CLE 35 to HOU 2. 31-D.Pierce for 98 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
15-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-11-C.Johnston.
(4:21) (Shotgun) 15-J.Flacco pass deep middle to 85-D.Njoku for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 17-D.Thompson-Robinson rushes right tackle. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
(2:39) (Shotgun) 15-J.Flacco pass short right to 2-A.Cooper for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
(12:34) 68-M.Dunn and 53-N.Harris reported in as eligible. 27-K.Hunt right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 15-J.Flacco pass to 2-A.Cooper is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
(6:11) (Shotgun) 10-D.Mills pass short right to 12-N.Collins for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN [37-Da.Bell].
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 10-D.Mills pass to 12-N.Collins is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS. PENALTY on CLE-91-A.Wright, Defensive Offside, 5 yards, enforced between downs.
(4:15) (Shotgun) 10-D.Mills pass short right to 47-A.Beck for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
15-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-11-C.Johnston.
HOUHouston TexansFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- CLECleveland Browns
Q1 13:23TD Jonathan FordPoints+6
- Yard line
- HOU 4
- Score
- 6-0
(13:23) (Shotgun) Direct snap to 34-J.Ford. 34-J.Ford right end for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- CLECleveland Browns
Q1 13:18XP Dustin HopkinsPoints+1
- Yard line
- HOU 15
- Score
- 7-0
7-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-13-C.Bojorquez.
- CLECleveland Browns
Q2 12:16TD Amari CooperPoints+6
- Yard line
- HOU 75
- Score
- 13-0
(12:16) 53-N.Harris reported in as eligible. 15-J.Flacco pass deep left to 2-A.Cooper for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on HOU-37-D.Ross, Defensive Pass Interference, declined.
- CLECleveland Browns
Q2 12:04XP Dustin HopkinsPoints+1
- Yard line
- HOU 15
- Score
- 14-0
7-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-13-C.Bojorquez.
- HOUHouston Texans
Q2 12:04TD Dameon PiercePoints+6
- Yard line
- CLE 35
- Score
- 14-6
7-D.Hopkins kicks 63 yards from CLE 35 to HOU 2. 31-D.Pierce for 98 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- HOUHouston Texans
Q2 11:51XP Ka'imi FairbairnPoints+1
- Yard line
- CLE 15
- Score
- 14-7
15-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-11-C.Johnston.
- CLECleveland Browns
Q2 4:21TD David NjokuPoints+6
- Yard line
- HOU 21
- Score
- 20-7
(4:21) (Shotgun) 15-J.Flacco pass deep middle to 85-D.Njoku for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- CLECleveland Browns
Q2 4:16Safety Dorian Thompson-RobinsonPoints+2
- Yard line
- HOU 2
- Score
- 22-7
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 17-D.Thompson-Robinson rushes right tackle. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
- CLECleveland Browns
Q3 2:39TD Amari CooperPoints+6
- Yard line
- HOU 7
- Score
- 28-7
(2:39) (Shotgun) 15-J.Flacco pass short right to 2-A.Cooper for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- CLECleveland Browns
Q4 12:34TD Kareem HuntPoints+6
- Yard line
- HOU 1
- Score
- 34-7
(12:34) 68-M.Dunn and 53-N.Harris reported in as eligible. 27-K.Hunt right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- CLECleveland Browns
Q4 12:31Safety Joe FlaccoPoints+2
- Yard line
- HOU 2
- Score
- 36-7
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 15-J.Flacco pass to 2-A.Cooper is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
- HOUHouston Texans
Q4 6:11TD Nico CollinsPoints+6
- Yard line
- CLE 5
- Score
- 36-13
(6:11) (Shotgun) 10-D.Mills pass short right to 12-N.Collins for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN [37-Da.Bell].
- HOUHouston Texans
Q4 6:08Safety Davis MillsPoints+2
- Yard line
- CLE 2
- Score
- 36-15
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 10-D.Mills pass to 12-N.Collins is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS. PENALTY on CLE-91-A.Wright, Defensive Offside, 5 yards, enforced between downs.
- HOUHouston Texans
Q4 4:15TD Andrew BeckPoints+6
- Yard line
- CLE 1
- Score
- 36-21
(4:15) (Shotgun) 10-D.Mills pass short right to 47-A.Beck for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- HOUHouston Texans
Q4 4:12XP Ka'imi FairbairnPoints+1
- Yard line
- CLE 15
- Score
- 36-22
15-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-11-C.Johnston.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1Amari Cooper · Cleveland Browns · Receiving · +24.68 total EPA · 16 snaps · +1.54 EPA/play
- 2Joe Flacco · Cleveland Browns · Passing · +19.40 total EPA · 46 snaps · +0.42 EPA/play
- 3Davis Mills · Houston Texans · Passing · +5.93 total EPA · 35 snaps · +0.17 EPA/play
- 4
Cedric Tillman · Cleveland Browns · Receiving · +3.95 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.97 EPA/play - 5
Noah Brown · Houston Texans · Receiving · +2.36 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.34 EPA/play - 6
Jordan Akins · Cleveland Browns · Receiving · +0.87 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.44 EPA/play - 7Joe Flacco · Cleveland Browns · Rushing · +0.80 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.40 EPA/play
- 8
Elijah Moore · Cleveland Browns · Receiving · +0.56 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.14 EPA/play
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Amari Cooper — CLE · Receiving
Amari Cooper posted the highest total EPA (+24.68) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Cleveland Browns. Across 16 counted snaps, they averaged +1.54 EPA per play.
Amari Cooper's top snap (+5.96 EPA): (12:16) 53-N.Harris reported in as eligible. 15-J.Flacco pass deep left to 2-A.Cooper for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on HOU-37-D.Ross, Defensive Pass Interference, declined.
Quarterback report card
Joe Flacco led all passers in efficiency for Cleveland Browns, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- Joe Flacco (Cleveland Browns) · 46 dropbacks · 58.7% completion · +5.5% CPOE · +0.42 EPA/play · +19.40 total EPA
- Davis Mills (Houston Texans) · 35 dropbacks · 42.9% completion · -18.5% CPOE · +0.17 EPA/play · +5.93 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | Cleveland Browns | Houston Texans |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.085 | -0.121 |
| Offensive success rate | 44.1% | 40.7% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.308 | -0.164 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.190 | -0.322 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.121 | -0.085 |
| Defensive success rate | 59.3% | 55.9% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Despite the final score, Cleveland Browns generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.09 vs -0.12), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Cleveland Browns: +0.09 EPA/play (77th percentile vs. 2023 team-game averages)
- Houston Texans: -0.12 EPA/play (29th percentile vs. 2023 team-game averages)
- Cleveland Browns: 14 drives, +7.91 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
- Houston Texans: 13 drives, -11.04 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Cleveland Browns — Jonathan Ford
- Cleveland Browns — Amari Cooper (Joe Flacco pass)
- Houston Texans — Dameon Pierce
- Cleveland Browns — David Njoku (Joe Flacco pass)
- Cleveland Browns — Amari Cooper (Joe Flacco pass)
- Cleveland Browns — Kareem Hunt
- Houston Texans — Nico Collins (Davis Mills pass)
- Houston Texans — Andrew Beck (Davis Mills pass)
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: Cleveland Browns won the period 7–0. Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the HOU 4 (Q1 13:23) — (13:23) (Shotgun) Direct snap to 34-J.Ford. 34-J.Ford right end for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cleveland Browns added 1 points from the HOU 15 (Q1 13:18) — 7-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-13-C.Bojorquez..
The second quarter: Cleveland Browns won the period 15–7. Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the HOU 75 (Q2 12:16); Cleveland Browns added 1 points from the HOU 15 (Q2 12:04) — 7-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-13-C.Bojorquez.; Houston Texans found the end zone from the CLE 35 (Q2 12:04) — 7-D.Hopkins kicks 63 yards from CLE 35 to HOU 2. 31-D.Pierce for 98 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Houston Texans added 1 points from the CLE 15 (Q2 11:51) — 15-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-11-C.Johnston.; Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the HOU 21 (Q2 4:21) — (4:21) (Shotgun) 15-J.Flacco pass deep middle to 85-D.Njoku for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cleveland Browns registered a safety from the HOU 2 (Q2 4:16) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 17-D.Thompson-Robinson rushes right tackle. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS..
The third quarter: Cleveland Browns won the period 6–0. Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the HOU 7 (Q3 2:39) — (2:39) (Shotgun) 15-J.Flacco pass short right to 2-A.Cooper for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN..
The fourth quarter: Houston Texans won the period 15–8. Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the HOU 1 (Q4 12:34) — (12:34) 68-M.Dunn and 53-N.Harris reported in as eligible. 27-K.Hunt right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Cleveland Browns registered a safety from the HOU 2 (Q4 12:31) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 15-J.Flacco pass to 2-A.Cooper is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.; Houston Texans found the end zone from the CLE 5 (Q4 6:11) — (6:11) (Shotgun) 10-D.Mills pass short right to 12-N.Collins for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN [37-Da.Bell].; Houston Texans registered a safety from the CLE 2 (Q4 6:08); Houston Texans found the end zone from the CLE 1 (Q4 4:15) — (4:15) (Shotgun) 10-D.Mills pass short right to 47-A.Beck for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Houston Texans added 1 points from the CLE 15 (Q4 4:12) — 15-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-11-C.Johnston..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Cleveland Browns (Q2 12:16) — (12:16) 53-N.Harris reported in as eligible. 15-J.Flacco pass deep left to 2-A.Cooper for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on HOU-37-D.Ross, Defensive Pass Interference, declined.
- Houston Texans (Q2 12:04) — 7-D.Hopkins kicks 63 yards from CLE 35 to HOU 2. 31-D.Pierce for 98 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Cleveland Browns (Q1 14:53) — (14:53) 15-J.Flacco pass deep middle to 2-A.Cooper to HOU 6 for 53 yards (1-J.Ward).
- Cleveland Browns (Q2 4:21) — (4:21) (Shotgun) 15-J.Flacco pass deep middle to 85-D.Njoku for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Houston Texans (Q2 9:44) — (9:44) (Shotgun) 18-C.Keenum sacked at HOU 18 for -14 yards (99-Z.Smith). PENALTY on CLE-23-M.Emerson, Illegal Contact, 5 yards, enforced at HOU 32 - No Play.
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Cleveland Browns (Q2 12:16) — (12:16) 53-N.Harris reported in as eligible. 15-J.Flacco pass deep left to 2-A.Cooper for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on HOU-37-D.Ross, Defensive Pass Interference, declined.
- Houston Texans (Q2 12:04) — 7-D.Hopkins kicks 63 yards from CLE 35 to HOU 2. 31-D.Pierce for 98 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Cleveland Browns (Q4 8:11) — (8:11) (Shotgun) 17-D.Thompson-Robinson sacked at HOU 39 for -10 yards (55-J.Hughes).
- Cleveland Browns (Q4 6:08) — 15-K.Fairbairn kicks onside 7 yards from HOU 40 to HOU 47, impetus ends at HOU 49. RECOVERED by HOU-5-J.Pitre.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q1 13:23 · HOU 4 · Score 6-0
(13:23) (Shotgun) Direct snap to 34-J.Ford. 34-J.Ford right end for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cleveland Browns XP (+1) — Q1 13:18 · HOU 15 · Score 7-0
7-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-13-C.Bojorquez. - Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q2 12:16 · HOU 75 · Score 13-0
(12:16) 53-N.Harris reported in as eligible. 15-J.Flacco pass deep left to 2-A.Cooper for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on HOU-37-D.Ross, Defensive Pass Interference, declined. - Cleveland Browns XP (+1) — Q2 12:04 · HOU 15 · Score 14-0
7-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-13-C.Bojorquez. - Houston Texans TD (+6) — Q2 12:04 · CLE 35 · Score 14-6
7-D.Hopkins kicks 63 yards from CLE 35 to HOU 2. 31-D.Pierce for 98 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Houston Texans XP (+1) — Q2 11:51 · CLE 15 · Score 14-7
15-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-11-C.Johnston. - Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q2 4:21 · HOU 21 · Score 20-7
(4:21) (Shotgun) 15-J.Flacco pass deep middle to 85-D.Njoku for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cleveland Browns Safety (+2) — Q2 4:16 · HOU 2 · Score 22-7
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 17-D.Thompson-Robinson rushes right tackle. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS. - Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q3 2:39 · HOU 7 · Score 28-7
(2:39) (Shotgun) 15-J.Flacco pass short right to 2-A.Cooper for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q4 12:34 · HOU 1 · Score 34-7
(12:34) 68-M.Dunn and 53-N.Harris reported in as eligible. 27-K.Hunt right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Cleveland Browns Safety (+2) — Q4 12:31 · HOU 2 · Score 36-7
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 15-J.Flacco pass to 2-A.Cooper is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS. - Houston Texans TD (+6) — Q4 6:11 · CLE 5 · Score 36-13
(6:11) (Shotgun) 10-D.Mills pass short right to 12-N.Collins for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN [37-Da.Bell]. - Houston Texans Safety (+2) — Q4 6:08 · CLE 2 · Score 36-15
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 10-D.Mills pass to 12-N.Collins is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS. PENALTY on CLE-91-A.Wright, Defensive Offside, 5 yards, enforced between downs. - Houston Texans TD (+6) — Q4 4:15 · CLE 1 · Score 36-21
(4:15) (Shotgun) 10-D.Mills pass short right to 47-A.Beck for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Houston Texans XP (+1) — Q4 4:12 · CLE 15 · Score 36-22
15-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-11-C.Johnston.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- Cleveland Browns earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- Amari Cooper (Cleveland Browns) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- Joe Flacco (CLE) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
- Davis Mills (HOU) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Cleveland Browns vs Houston Texans on 2023-12-24?
The Cleveland Browns beat the Houston Texans 36-22 in Week 16, 2023.
What was the score by quarter in Cleveland Browns vs Houston Texans?
Q1: Cleveland Browns 7, Houston Texans 0; Q2: Cleveland Browns 15, Houston Texans 7; Q3: Cleveland Browns 6, Houston Texans 0; Q4: Cleveland Browns 8, Houston Texans 15; Final: Cleveland Browns 36, Houston Texans 22.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Cleveland Browns vs Houston Texans?
Cleveland Browns touchdown — J. Ford (Q1 13:23) Cleveland Browns touchdown — A. Cooper (J. Flacco pass) (Q2 12:16) Houston Texans touchdown — D. Pierce (Q2 12:04) Cleveland Browns touchdown — D. Njoku (J. Flacco pass) (Q2 4:21) Cleveland Browns touchdown — A. Cooper (J. Flacco pass) (Q3 2:39) Cleveland Browns touchdown — K. Hunt (Q4 12:34) Houston Texans touchdown — N. Collins (D. Mills pass) (Q4 6:11) Houston Texans touchdown — A. Beck (D. Mills pass) (Q4 4:15) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Cleveland Browns vs Houston Texans?
Joe Flacco (Cleveland Browns), 58.7% completion, +5.5% CPOE, +0.42 EPA per dropback, +19.40 total passing EPA. Davis Mills (Houston Texans), 42.9% completion, -18.5% CPOE, +0.17 EPA per dropback, +5.93 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Cleveland Browns vs Houston Texans?
Amari Cooper (Cleveland Browns) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +24.68 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 16 snaps. Their top snap (+5.96 EPA): (12:16) 53-N.Harris reported in as eligible. 15-J.Flacco pass deep left to 2-A.Cooper for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on HOU-37-D.Ross, Defensive Pass Interference, declined..
Season records after this game
Cleveland Browns
Entered 9-5 Now 10-5 W
Houston Texans
Entered 8-6 Now 8-7 L
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