ExtremeRavens Posted December 24, 2024 Posted December 24, 2024 Here’s how The Baltimore Sun sports staff views the outcome of Wednesday’s Week 17 game between the Ravens (10-5) and Texans (9-6) at NRG Stadium in Houston: Brian Wacker, reporter Ravens 24, Texans 14: The Texans have perhaps the best defense in the NFL. The Ravens have the league’s top offense in yards per game and are third in scoring. It’s a delicious matchup. Lamar Jackson is also operating at an elite level and Houston is so desperate at wide receiver after losing Stefon Diggs and now Tank Dell that it claimed jettisoned and fractious Diontae Johnson off waivers this week. Those losses put a serious cramp in the Texans’ offense against an ascendant Ravens defense, while Baltimore’s offense has been regaining its rhythm and momentum in recent weeks. The Ravens can see the finish line of the regular season and a third win in 11 days will help get them there. Childs Walker, reporter Ravens 31, Texans 24: Elite pass offense vs. elite pass defense. That’s an enticing headline for a Christmas showcase, and Lamar Jackson will face another true test as he tries to rally his team to a repeat AFC North title. The Ravens’ pass protection will need to be sturdy, and they’ll need to build a significant advantage on the ground. The good news for them is that C.J. Stroud, now missing two of his top three receivers, has not been at his best for most of this season. It will be difficult for Houston to keep up if the Ravens’ offense plays even an average game. The Texans have played close games against top opponents but have fallen short in most of those. That pattern will hold against Baltimore. Mike Preston, columnist Ravens 28, Texans 21: The Texans have a strong defense, but they can’t control the ball and keep the Ravens’ offense off the field. Former Bengals running back Joe Mixon is playing better than I thought he could play in Houston, but the Ravens can make the Texans one-dimensional. Once that happens, the Ravens will be able to get pressure on quarterback C.J. Stroud, whose receiving corps has been decimated by injuries. The Ravens are operating on a short week because of travel, but they still have too much talent and a much better roster than Houston. This game will be close for about three quarters. C.J Doon, editor Ravens 30, Texans 13: The Texans just lost three starters to long-term injuries, and their offensive line has been terrible all season. C.J. Stroud will have to play at an MVP level to keep this one close, and while he’s certainly capable, the Ravens should be able to create enough pressure and play tight coverage to limit Nico Collins and Houston’s depleted passing game. Joe Mixon has also struggled to find running room recently, so there are not many answers against a steadily improving Baltimore defense. The Texans’ defense is certainly formidable, but Lamar Jackson should be able to neutralize pass rushers Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. while Derrick Henry pounds away against a soft interior and a trio of linebackers who all weigh less than him. Ravens and Beyoncé fans should be “Crazy in Love” with this matchup. (Sorry.) Tim Schwartz, editor Ravens 34, Texans 14: Prevent Nico Collins from taking over the game, and that should be enough for the Ravens. Who does C.J. Stroud have left to throw the ball to? Diontae Johnson? But seriously, Houston is in tough shape after Tank Dell’s season-ending injury and Baltimore is on a roll. It feels like a bigger mismatch than it might be on paper since the Texans’ secondary is the NFL’s best on paper, but the Ravens are not one-dimensional. Derrick Henry will get his share of carries, Lamar Jackson will get all of his playmakers involved and Baltimore will roll in what will be a rout. Bennett Conlin, editor Ravens 27, Texans 20: Ravens coach John Harbaugh and quarterback Lamar Jackson spent part of Monday’s news conference discussing Beyoncé and her upcoming halftime show for this showdown. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans spent his news conference explaining how the team hopes to emotionally move on from losing a standout wide receiver (Tank Dell) and safety (Jimmie Ward). Baltimore feels like it’s better prepared physically and mentally for a short week, as the Ravens are overflowing with confidence and playing loose after taking down the Steelers for just the second time in 10 tries. Have a news tip? Contact sports editor Tim Schwartz at timschwartz@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/timschwartz13. View the full article Quote
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