Texans vs. Ravens Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can the Ravens Defense Foil C.J. Stroud, Texans?
The Baltimore Ravens are set to host the Houston Texans in the second round of the NFL playoffs. Can Roquan Smith and the Ravens stifle C.J. Stroud and the red-hot Texans offense? Jason Radowitz provides his pick against the spread in Texans vs. Ravens.
Jason Radowitz - January 16, 2024, 12:30 PM EST
5 minTexans vs. Ravens Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can the Ravens Defense Foil C.J. Stroud, Texans?
The Houston Texans earned a hard-fought win over the Cleveland Browns last weekend in the AFC Wild Card matchup. The Texans won that game 45-14 and held the lead throughout the game's final three quarters.
Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud threw for 274 yards and three touchdowns. He also wasn't sacked at all in this game. But that's unlikely to happen against the Baltimore Ravens.
The Texans will travel to Baltimore to face the AFC's hottest team. The Ravens finished the season 13-4 and had massive wins to close out the season against the Dolphins and 49ers.
The Ravens earn a lot of sacks and force a lot of turnovers. That's something that Stroud and the Texans have done well at avoiding this season. But against the Ravens, things could ultimately change.
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Saturday's game between the Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens.
Texans vs. Ravens Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: January 20, 2024
- Game Time: 4:30 pm ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN & ABC
Texans vs. Ravens Odds
- Spread: Texans +9.5 (-110), Ravens -9.5 (-110)
- Total Odds: O/U 45.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Texans (+325), Ravens (-425)
Texans vs. Ravens Injury Report
Texans
Questionable: DE Jerry Hughes (Ankle), LB Denzel Perryman (Rib)
Out: WR Noah Brown (Shoulder)
Ravens
Questionable: TE Mark Andrews (Ankle)
Out: CB Damarion Williams (Undisclosed)
Texans vs. Ravens Prediction
The Baltimore Ravens have one of the best defenses in the NFL. They've held opponents to 16.47 points per game and have allowed under 200 yards passing per game, too.
The secondary has played incredibly well. But so has the pass rush. The Ravens have earned a league-best 60 sacks and contributed 18 interceptions this season.
They even forced some excellent quarterbacks into some terrible mistakes. Tua Tagovailoa threw two interceptions against the Ravens. Brock Purdy threw four turnovers in his game against the Ravens.
With the Ravens facing a rookie quarterback, they can probably make Stroud a bit more uncomfortable than he's been in recent weeks.
Beyond the interceptions, Baltimore has also earned 13 fumble recoveries on 16 forced fumbles. They're really good at winning the turnover battle and have a differential of 11.94 in points per game this season.
The Texans only have a differential of 3.05. Houston's been good. Baltimore's been great.
Realistically, the Texans match up well defensively but don't have Baltimore's pass protection. Again, that's what will hurt Stroud in Baltimore. The Ravens will come after him and create some pressure to force turnovers.
When the Ravens win the turnover battle, they'll win the game.
Lamar Jackson is expected to win another MVP this year for the Ravens. He added 3,678 yards passing and another 821 yards on the ground. In total, he also contributed 29 touchdowns this season.
Like Stroud, Jackson has been great at limiting turnovers. Expect that to continue against the Texans.
I'm rocking with the Ravens at -9.5.
Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens Pick
- Ravens -9.5 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
NFL Odds
