The Houston Texans vs Baltimore Ravens matchup on Sunday has plenty of implications for each team this season. The Texans (6-3) are seeking a season-changing win over the Ravens (8-2) in Baltimore. Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson could be the difference in this game. For Houston to increase its chances at a playoff berth, sealing a win at Baltimore is crucial. Houston’s schedule will only get tougher going forward. Both teams want a win on Sunday to keep their leads in their respective divisions.
Houston Texans vs Baltimore Ravens Is a Crucial AFC Matchup
The AFC race is going to get interesting the final seven weeks of the season. For the Texans, a win on Sunday would push them to 7-3 on the season, and increase their chances of making the playoffs. In the Power Rankings released this week, the Texans are still number 10. The Ravens currently sit in the top five. These two teams could potentially meet in the playoffs. But for now, this is a meaningful game for both teams.
Texans Perspective
This Week 11 Texans vs Ravens matchup will be a true battle of the quarterbacks. Texans leader Deshaun Watson has been nothing short of dynamic since he entered the league a few seasons ago. Currently, the Texans lead the AFC South by one game over the Indianapolis Colts. The Ravens are 8-2 all time against the Texans, but Houston won the last matchup in 2017 by a score of 16-13.
It’s safe to say that more points will be scored this time around. The main key for the Texans offense is to allow Watson to drive down the field. Houston has to capitalize on drives, specifically in the red zone. The Ravens are a team that are consistently excellent on defense. For that to not be an issue, Watson and company need to read coverages correctly and execute on big situational downs.
If the Texans offensive line can give Watson time in the pocket, he can help keep his team in this game going into the final quarter. Houston definitely does not want to have to come from behind by 10 or more points in the fourth quarter. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson could be a factor if that happens. He will likely be a factor anyway, but Houston cannot get down early.
With Lamar Miller out of the season with a torn ACL, the Texans have been utilizing Carlos Hyde and Duke Johnson in the backfield. Hyde has been the primary ball carrier while Johnson has seen more action in the passing game. The Texans will want to be balanced on offense on Sunday so the game plan should utilize both Hyde and Johnson.
The Texans offense has to capitalize early and often. The Ravens have been a scoring machine on offense the last few games. Houston needs to take that ability away on defense, and control the ball on offense, while letting Watson do his thing.
Ravens Perspective
From the Ravens perspective, Lamar Jackson has to continue his MVP caliber play that he has shown this season. If Baltimore is going to get a win this week, allowing Jackson to play his style of offense is key. He doesn’t necessarily need to throw for a whopping amount of yards. But he does have to be effective. The Ravens can take advantage of a beaten up Texans defense, that will be missing J.J. Watt (injury) or Jadeveon Clowney (traded to the Seattle Seahawks earlier this year) on the interior defensive line.
Defensively for the Ravens, the core of the unit has to contain Deshaun Watson and DeAndre Hopkins. Putting pressure on Watson in the pocket could cause him to throw inaccurate passes that could lead to turnovers. Also, not allowing Hopkins to get separation at the line of scrimmage is key. The veteran receiver is very versatile in his routes when he wins the line of scrimmage battle.
Last Word
This Texans vs Ravens game could be close for much of the game. If the Texans can get the momentum built up early in the first quarter, they have a great chance to win. The AFC race is a tight one up to this point. Both the Texans and Ravens lead their divisions. These two teams are playoff hopefuls, but a loss here could hurt that team’s composure. There are still six games remaining after this matchup. While neither team is out of the playoff race with a loss, a victory on Sunday would help further solidify their chances of winning their respective division and making the postseason.
This Texans vs Ravens game will be a battle of the quarterbacks. Lamar Jackson has played great football as of late. Houston has looked sloppy in a few of their last games. But, Deshaun Watson and the Texans will fix their issues on the offense this week. Houston will take this game 31-27.
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