Texans vs. Ravens Divisional Round Preview: Upset Looming?
In the first game of the Divisional Round weekend, the hot Houston Texans have a chance to upset the AFC's top-seeded Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
This Saturday evening matchup is highlighted by two quarterbacks who could win league MVP (Lamar Jackson) and offensive Rookie Of The Year (C.J. Stroud.)
The fourth-seeded Texans are fresh off an impressive 45-14 victory over the Cleveland Browns in the Wild Card round. The Ravens enjoyed a bye week.
Jackson and Stroud
Houston looks to fend off the Ravens' defense, who led the league in sacks (60), while keeping the positive offensive momentum. Stroud led Houston to the AFC South division title and finished the regular season with the third-most passing yards all-time (4,108) for a rookie.
Stroud also finished with 23 passing touchdowns and five interceptions, the best touchdown-to-interception ratio in the NFL. His ability to remain aggressive downfield while keeping the ball safe has turned him into an up-and-coming star.
Running back Devin Singletary has also found his stride: Since the start of November, only San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey has more rushing yards than Singletary’s 715.
The Texans are faced with the tough challenge of slowing Jackson. who has led high-flying Baltimore to an average of 33.1 points per game in the past 11 games. Not only did Jackson throw for 3,678 yards and 24 touchdowns this season, he also led the team with 821 yards rushing and five touchdowns on the ground.
These two teams met way back in Week 1. Baltimore beat the Texans, 25-9, and held Houston to three field goals while sacking Stroud five times in his NFL debut.
WEATHER REPORT: As it stands, the weather forecast is 24 degrees Fahrenheit at kickoff and falling to 20 degrees by the time the game wraps up.
REGULAR SEASON RECORDS: Baltimore Ravens (13-4) vs. Houston Texans (10-7)
ODDS: Houston is a 9.5-point underdog vs. the Ravens
GAME TIME: Saturday, Jan. 20th, 2024 at 3:30 p.m. CT
LOCATION: M&T Bank Stadium - Orchard Park, NY
TV: ESPN/ABC
FINAL WORD Coach DeMeco Ryans on the Baltimore weather forecast:
"I would say, ‘Who cares? Let’s go," Ryans said. "We’ve got to find a way to make plays.”
