Texans knock Browns out of first

CLEVELAND (AP) — J.J. Watt caught a 2-yard touchdown pass from Ryan Mallett, dominated on defense and the Houston Texans climbed back to .500 with a 23-7 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

Watt was all over the field. Along with his TD, he recorded a strip sack, made five tackles — three for a loss — recovered a fumble and hurried Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer into several bad throws. Watt provided more proof he’s the NFL’s best defensive player.

Mallett threw a pair of TD passes and finished with 211 yards in his first career start. The four-year veteran was promoted during the open week after the Texans (5-5) benched Ryan Fitzpatrick.

The Texans played without star running back Arian Foster because of a groin injury, but rookie Alfred Blue stepped in and gained 156 yards on a franchise-record 36 carries.

The Browns (6-4) won’t spend a second straight week atop the AFC North. They lost for just the second time in seven games, and Watt is the main reason why.

The Browns are in second place with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens. Because of a tie last month, the Cincinnati Bengals have a half-game led in the AFC North.