NFL playoffs: Three things to watch for in Browns-Texans on Super Wild Card Weekend

1) C.J. Stroud makes his playoff debut. Stroud's rookie season has been nothing short of phenomenal. He's the likely Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, and has led a shocking turnaround in Houston, formerly the home of teams with only dreams of the postseason. Stroud will live that dream Saturday, less than a year after the Texans made him the No. 2 overall pick of the draft, and brings with him a handful of notable numbers set in 2023, with his 4,108 passing yardage total ranking third among all rookie quarterbacks in NFL history. Houston is a significantly better team with Stroud at the controls, but it will be fascinating to see if he can keep it going against the NFL's top-ranked defense in a high-pressure situation. Fortunately for the Texans, Stroud's time at Ohio State prepped him for the spotlight.

2) January Joe looks to keep the magic going. Fresh off the couch, the 38-year-old Joe Flacco has strung together an incredible month, throwing for 300-plus yards in each of his last four games. He's only the third quarterback to enter the playoffs on a four-plus-game streak of 300-plus yards, joining Tom Brady and Drew Brees in exclusive company. And since he's joined the Browns, Flacco leads the NFL with 323.2 passing yards per game. All of this sets up for a massive boom-or-bust scenario, and their opponent has already seen the flash from a Flacco explosion in a 368-yard performance in a Week 16 win over the Texans. Can Houston prevent the Browns from dropping another bomb on them at NRG Stadium? Or will Flacco Fever -- which is running rampant in Cleveland right now -- continue spreading throughout the NFL with another Browns win?

3) The coach of the year showdown. The debate has been rightfully hot