Convenience Big Store: What to know about Texans-Browns as playoff football finally returns to Houston today

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Playoff football returns to Houston for the first time in four years this afternoon when the Texans and Browns kick off at 3:30 p.m. on NBC. Texans insider Jonathan M. Alexander offers nine observations and a prediction for today's game. As the Texans took the step to playoff team this season, third-year receiver Nico Collins also reached another level. Jerome Solomon says today's game provides the Texans an opportunity to start erasing some of Houston's playoff failures. We compare two of the NFL's most hard-luck cities in Houston and Cleveland. The Texans take the field today looking for redemption after a Christmas Eve embarrassment against the Browns. NBC analyst Todd Blackledge discusses C.J. Stroud building on his college stardom and today's matchup. Please scroll down for more Texans coverage.

Friday night in Detroit provided a display of what Fred VanVleet brings to the Rockets as Houston rallied down the stretch and avoided a letdown by beating the lowly Pistons.

Fresh off suffering its first loss of the season, UH's basketball faces another Big 12 road challenge tonight at TCU.

Former Oilers cornerback Cris Dishman is returning to Houston as Texas Southern's new football coach.

Sunday's Aramco Half Marathon is being used by some runners as a tuneup for next month's Olympic trials. Here's a look at some runners to watch in the half marathon and Chevron Houston Marathon.

Stat of the day: 4-2. The Texans' all-time record in AFC wild-card round games, all played at home.

Greg Rajan, Texas Sports Nation editor

NFL Playoffs: Texans vs. Browns

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer

A new quarterback in C.J. Stroud and a season of good health along with a dose of confidence, raised Nico Collins to one of the top receivers in the NFL.

Thoughts on Texans-Browns: Texans insider Jonathan M. Alexander shares his observations on Houston's rematch with the Browns and offers a prediction for today's AFC wild-card game.
A chance to forget failure: It's only the first round of the playoffs, but for Houston and Cleveland, a win could be a new chapter in their postseason history, writes Jerome Solomon.
Tale of two snakebit NFL cities: Comparing Houston and Cleveland, two hard-luck football cities still seeking their first trip to the Super Bowl.
Eye on redemption: The Texans get another chance to redeem themselves after a lackluster performance against Cleveland on Christmas Eve.
View from the booth: NBC analyst Todd Blackledge discusses how C.J. Stroud's college success has translated to the NFL and breaks down the Texans/Browns matchup.
By the numbers: Breaking down the matchups between the Texans and the Browns in their postseason opener.
Revisiting the deal: The Texans have taken seven players with draft picks that came directly or indirectly from the Deshaun Watson trade with the Browns and there's more to come.

Photo by: Carlos Osorio/Associated Press

Fred VanVleet showed his leadership in crunch time and the Rockets displayed their growth in tight games as Houston came back to top Detroit.

Motor City escape: After a late rally, the Rockets walked off the court in Detroit with a win, earning their first victory on this lengthy road trip.
Nearing a return: Dillon Brooks has missed nine games with an oblique injury but expects to play on the Rockets' current road trip
Back in Boston: The Rockets complete a back-to-back tonight as coach Ime Udoka makes his long-awaited return to Boston, where he led the Celtics to the 2022 NBA Finals before departing amid controversy.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer

After suffering their tough loss in one of the nation's toughest venues, No. 2 UH gets another tough Big 12 test tonight with a visit to TCU, which has punched above its weight class this season.

UH vs. TCU preview: Breaking down second-ranked UH's game against conference foe TCU tonight in Fort Worth.
Needing upgrade from distance: Texas A&M has been plagued by subpar 3-point shooting as SEC play started. The Aggies need to dial up things from distance, especially with No. 6 Kentucky visiting Saturday.