The Baltimore Ravens (10-5) are set to play the Houston Texans (9-6) in a crucial AFC playoff matchup on Christmas Day. This will be their third game in 11 days, with both teams having already played twice in that timeframe recently.
The Ravens lead the all-time series 12-2, including postseason games, and have won the last five meetings against the Texans. However, this year’s stakes are different as Baltimore is tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5) for first place in the AFC North, both teams needing to win out to secure a division title.
The Ravens’ defense has been dominant since Week 11, allowing only 278.2 yards per game and being the top team on third-down conversions. They will face a challenge against the Texans, who have lost key playmakers Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs due to season-ending knee injuries. The Texans may struggle offensively if the Ravens’ defense can pressure quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Baltimore’s offense, led by Lamar Jackson, has been on fire recently, with eight touchdowns in their last two games. Jackson is now just 87 rushing yards away from surpassing Michael Vick for the most quarterback rushing yards in NFL history.
For the Texans, Rashod Bateman could see a bigger workload due to Zay Flowers’ injury, and his ability to make explosive plays could pose a problem for Houston’s secondary. Meanwhile, S Kyle Hamilton will be crucial in defending against Stroud, who is known for making every throw.
With two games left in the regular season, this matchup between the Ravens and Texans has significant implications for both teams’ playoff hopes.
Source: https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/ravens-texans-game-preview-christmas-netflixeverything-you-need-to-know-lamar-jackson-derrick-henry-cj-stroud