After an eventful first week of playoff matchups, the divisional-round games are set. The one-seeds are coming off their bye week and we will see firsthand if the rest vs. rust debate rings true. The race to the Lombardi Trophy is coming down to the wire, and it’s time to see who is the most prepared when it matters most.
(4) Houston Texans vs. (1) Baltimore Ravens
- Spread: Ravens -9
- Date: Saturday, January 20
- Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN, ABC
Much like last week, the Houston Texans will lead off action as the first game on the divisional round slate. Instead this time, they will be facing a much more formidable opponent in MVP candidate Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. Although, CJ Stroud and the explosive Texans offense will be facing a statistically worse defense than last week. Stroud has shown his ability to hang in the pocket and deliver throws into tight windows that prove difficult for even some veteran quarterbacks.
The Ravens were the sixth-ranked pass defense in terms of yards per game this season, allowing 191.9 yards per game. Stroud showed defensive rankings were no problem for him last week as he dealt with the No. 1 pass defense in the regular season in the Cleveland Browns just fine. The Ravens also had a worse run defense than the Browns in the regular season, meaning Stroud and the Texans’ offense will need to carry the load and keep the pressure off the Texans defense.
There is no denying the Ravens have high expectations coming into this game. After stumbling out of the gate, Baltimore has won 10 out of their last 12 games, with one of those losses coming in Week 18 when their bye was already secured. Next to the Buffalo Bills, the Ravens have the most momentum in the NFL right now and there are no signs of slowing down.
Baltimore poses a much more explosive offense than the Texans dealt with last week. An injury-riddled Browns team on their fourth quarterback of the season is the polar opposite of the threats this Ravens team…
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