Texans vs. Ravens Prediction, Pick, Odds: How Will Rookie QB CJ Stroud Do In His NFL Debut?
NFL Sunday is finally back, and the Houston Texans take on the Baltimore Ravens in the early afternoon. How will Rookie QB CJ Stroud do in his NFL debut? Jason Radowitz shares his pick for the game.
Jason Radowitz - September 6, 2023, 12:45 PM EDT
5 minTexans vs. Ravens Prediction, Pick, Odds: How Will Rookie QB CJ Stroud Do In His NFL Debut?
The Houston Texans went 3-13 last year.
That allowed them to select QB CJ Stroud and trade for DL Will Anderson with two first-round draft picks in the latest NFL Draft.
The Texans have a lot of young talent. But it might take some time for everything to develop.
They'll start the season on the road against the Baltimore Ravens. Those Ravens have championship aspirations and are confident about their offense with Lamar Jackson healthy.
How will this Week 1 game play out?
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Sunday's game between the Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens.
Texans vs. Ravens Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds
- Date: September 10, 2023
- Game Time: 1:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: CBS
Texans vs. Ravens Odds
- Spread: Texans +10 (-110), Ravens -10 (-110)
- Total Odds: O/U 43.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Texans (+360), Ravens (-470)
Texans vs. Ravens Injury Report
Texans
Out: OT Charlie Heck (Foot), C Juice Scruggs (Hamstring)
Ravens
Questionable: TE Mark Andrews (Undisclosed)
Out: LB Tyus Bowser (Knee), LB Malik Hamm (Lower Body). CB Marlon Humphrey (Foot), RB Keaton Mitchell (Shoulder), Trayvon Mullen (Toe), OL Andrew Vorhees (Knee), CB Damarion Williams (Ankle)
Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens Prediction
The Houston Texans named CJ Stroud as the starting quarterback for the Texans this season. He's a rookie out of Ohio State with a ton of potential.
But he'll likely have some growing pains early.
In eight series' and three games in the preseason, Stroud only went 11-for-18 for 89 yards. He also added one touchdown and an interception. He averaged about 11 yards per drive in the preseason.
Now he'll play in an actual NFL game against much better players on defense.
Last year, the Ravens had a quality secondary and a pass rush that did enough. The run defense was also excellent. Therefore, Stroud will have a hard time adjusting to this faster level of play against the Ravens.
On the other hand, the Ravens are loaded with talent on the offensive end. Lamar Jackson is healthy and ready to go at quarterback. That's huge. But the Ravens added Odell Beckham Jr. from Free Agency and drafted a highly regarded receiver from Boston College in Zay Flowers.
It's currently unclear if Mark Andrews will play in this game. But the Ravens also have Isaiah Likely, who has much potential and showed it off last season.
But while the Ravens have said they'd like to throw more, this wouldn't be the game to do it.
The Texans were one of the worst run defenses in the NFL last year. Will Anderson should help the defense, but I still doubt this Houston front.
The Ravens will win this game in the trenches and likely shorten the game with a lot of running. I also don't think Stroud will impress in his first game under center.
Therefore, I'll back the Under 43.5 in this game.
Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens Pick
- Over 43.5 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds for this pick
NFL Odds
