CLEVELAND — Ryan Mallett made his first start as an NFL quarterback on Sunday, and with two touchdown passes he led the Houston Texans past the Cleveland Browns, 23-7.

The loss snapped a three-game winning streak by the Browns (6-4) and put a dent in their chances at an AFC North title.

Mallett, in his fourth NFL season and first with the Texans (5-5), threw a two-yard touchdown pass to defensive end J.J. Watt and one 20 yards to tight end Garrett Graham in the first half.

The Houston defense did the rest by burying Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer with a relentless pass rush led by Watt.

The Texans overpowered the Browns depleted defense with a ground attack led by rookie running back Alfred Blue.

The Browns lost starting inside linebacker Karlos Dansby with a knee injury in the first half and starting outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard in the second half.

Houston led 14-7 after an odd first half in which Watt caught the touchdown pass and recovered a fumble. Watt also was charged with two roughing the passer penalties.

Watt’s second roughing penalty led to the Browns’ first touchdown on a 32-pass from Hoyer to wide receiver Andrew Hawkins, who missed the game against Cincinnati on Nov. 6 with a knee injury.

Hawkins’ touchdown tied the score 7-7 after the Texans took the lead on 12-play, 89-yard drive, highlighted by Mallett’s 41-yard pass to wide receiver DeAndre Hopkinson on third-and-nine from the Houston 12. Mallett hit wide receiver Andre Johnson on third-and-eight for a 16-yard gain to the Browns 19. He finished the drive with the touchdown pass to Watt.

The Texans took the lead late in the first half on a drive that began with a fumble by Browns running back Isiah Crowell at the Houston 22 with 3:06 left in the first half. Mallet, looking poised and confident, milked the clock and threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Graham with 23 seconds to play.

Texans kicker Randy Bullock added three field goals in the second half.

NOTES: A groin injury sidelined Texans RB Arian Foster. Rookie RB Alfred Blue replaced him in the starting lineup. … DB A.J. Bouye started at left cornerback for Houston in place of injured CBKareem Jackson (knee). … Browns starting DE Phil Taylor was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury on Friday. DE Billy Winn started in his place. … Browns TE Jordan Cameron missed his third straight game with a concussion. TE Jim Dray started in his place.