Five touchdown passes can change the feel of a season in a hurry. C.J. Stroud threw five of them in Houston’s 44-22 Week 9 win over the Chargers, giving the 3-5 Texans a burst of energy before Sunday’s 1 p.m. game against the 5-4 Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Cleveland, meanwhile, returns home after two close and costly weeks. The Browns fell 23-22 in overtime at New Orleans after losing to Pittsburgh the week before.

That makes this game a crossroads. Houston is trying to turn one explosive afternoon into a real climb up the standings. Cleveland needs its young offense to finish drives and protect its home field. The Texans bring the hotter passing attack, while the Browns will try to turn the game into a rough, physical contest.

Stroud is the center of Houston’s charge. He has thrown 16 touchdown passes with only two interceptions this season, showing how often he puts the ball where it needs to go. Nico Collins is his towering big-play target. Collins has four touchdown catches in only six games, and his size makes him difficult to handle on deep throws and contested catches. Tank Dell also flashed his speed with a 63-yard touchdown last week, though his hand injury makes his status important to watch.

Houston averages more than 26 points per game, but its running game has not produced many yards. David Montgomery brings strength and experience near the goal line, yet he is questionable. If he cannot go or is limited, Stroud may need to keep carrying the offense with quick passes to Collins and tight end Dalton Schultz.

Cleveland’s answer begins with Shedeur Sanders, who showed his deep-ball ability in New Orleans. His 64-yard touchdown throw to KC Concepcion gave the Browns a late lead, and another long completion set up points earlier in the game. Sanders has started only three games this season, so each snap is part of his growth story. He must stay calm when Houston’s pass rush arrives. Will Anderson Jr. and Jadeveon Clowney each had two sacks last week as the Texans dropped Justin Herbert eight times.

The Browns can help Sanders by leaning on Quinshon Judkins. Judkins runs through contact and can wear down defenders, while Harold Fannin Jr. gives Sanders a strong, quick target over the middle. Fannin leads Cleveland with 453 receiving yards, but his groin injury leaves his availability uncertain. Cleveland also needs cleaner work near the goal line after settling for field goals on several key chances in New Orleans.

Houston’s defense has allowed 24 points per game, so Cleveland should find openings if it stays patient. Yet the Browns score only 17.9 points per game, and Houston arrives with more firepower after its huge Week 9 performance. The Browns will battle hard at home, but Stroud’s connection with Collins gives the Texans the edge. Prediction: Houston Texans win.

C.J. Stroud Brings a Five-Touchdown Spark to Cleveland