Texans (11-7) at Ravens (13-4)
Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore TV: ESPN/ABC
Spread (BetMGM):
Ravens by 9.5
Texans’ keys to victory: Houston has improved by leaps and bounds since the 25-9 loss to Baltimore in the season opener. It’ll be about containing Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, who was 17 of 22 passing for 169 yards and one interception in the first matchup. They’ll need to protect QB C.J. Stroud while working to take deep shots with WR Nico Collins. Baltimore held RB Dameon Pierce in check during the Week 1 matchup, and Houston will need to sustain a running game. Head coach DeMeco Ryans’ team will look to pressure Jackson while relying on CBs Steven Nelson and Derek Stingley Jr. to help neutralize WRs Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham Jr. on the outside.
Ravens’ keys to victory: It’ll be about setting Jackson up with efficient throws while utilizing a physical rushing attack to keep the Texans’ explosive offense on the sideline. If Mike Macdonald’s defense plays up to its level, Houston will have a tough time winning. In the first matchup, Baltimore sacked Stroud five times.
Matchup to watch: Ravens’ Flowers vs. Texans’ Stingley. In the wild-card win over the Browns, Stingley was matched up with Amari Cooper before the Texans sent in backups. Stingley allowed just one reception for -6 yards on three targets as the nearest defender, including two tight windows, according to Next Gen Stats.
Who wins? Baltimore altered its bye-week practice routine to avoid a repeat of the 2019 divisional round loss to the Titans. Houston has improved but the Ravens are on a mission.
Ravens, 28-17