From Worst to First

The first place Cleveland Browns take on the Houston Texans this afternoon, after taming and caging the Cincinnati Bengals last Thursday. Hoyer and the offense seem to have come to life, and the defense — gasp — has managed to make some crucial stops. Like the Browns, the Texans should be well-rested, coming off their bye week, but Arian Foster is still one of the most dangerous running backs in the league. The defense will have its hands full, but Cleveland will be cheering like mad at FirstEnergy Stadium; the Browns haven’t started this well since 1994, back when Bill Belichick called the shots and Vinny Testaverde was starting QB. Could Hoyer the Destroyer really be the Browns’ answer? Kickoff is 1 p.m. at First Energy Stadium. Tickets start at $25. (Allard)