ExtremeRavens Posted December 24, 2024 Posted December 24, 2024 The Ravens take center stage on Christmas Day, visiting the Houston Texans in an important game for playoff positioning in the AFC. Baltimore could end the day with a gift their fans have been yearning for all season — the AFC North division lead. If the Ravens (10-5) beat the Texans and the Steelers lose to the Chiefs — the Chiefs and Ravens are both betting favorites — they will take the AFC North lead into Week 18. Understandably, Wednesday’s matchup with Houston (9-6) is crucial to the team’s chances of winning the division. The importance of the game hasn’t stopped the Ravens from engaging in lighthearted moments this week. Quarterback Lamar Jackson laughed during his Monday news conference when asked about how special it is to play on Christmas Day. “That means we’re good, but at the same time, I do want to celebrate at home sometimes with my family,” Jackson said with a smile. “I don’t want to be playing on Christmas all the time.” Jackson wouldn’t mind the NFL schedule-makers changing things up in 2025 — Baltimore played on Christmas Day last year, too — but he’s also eager to move his team closer to a division title. The Ravens appear loose this week, perhaps because of a 17-point win over the Steelers just a few days ago. Betting markets like a confident Baltimore team’s chances in Wednesday’s marquee matchup. What are the odds? The Ravens find themselves in a familiar spot this week, as they’re a betting favorite for the 15th consecutive game. Spread: Ravens by 5 1/2 (FanDuel) Total: 46 1/2 points Moneyline: Ravens -245, Texans +200 Baltimore is a respectable 8-6-1 against the spread this season. The Ravens often play games that go over the projected point total, as 12 of their 15 games have been overs, including each of their past two games. As for Houston, the Texans are 6-7-2 against the spread and most of their games go under the projected point total. Just five of the team’s 15 games have gone over the total. Ravens ready to roll? The Ravens are 2-0 after their bye week with a 21-point win over the Giants and a 17-point win over the Steelers. I’m expecting more of the same Wednesday in Houston. Despite an impressive 9-6 record, the Texans look a step below the NFL’s best. Houston fell to the Chiefs, 27-19, last week, even with Patrick Mahomes hobbled with an ank;e injury. They lost to the Lions early this season despite Jared Goff throwing five interceptions in the matchup. With season-ending injuries to wide receiver Tank Dell and safety Jimmie Ward, the Texans are missing key players ahead of the showdown. The Texans claimed Diontae Johnson off waivers as they deal with injury issues at the receiver position. “Losing them is hard,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Monday of the two major injuries. Baltimore’s defense is improving, and the Ravens look like they’re trending up. While Baltimore’s Jackson and coach John Harbaugh spent part of Monday’s news conferences talking about Beyoncé, the Texans spent a significant chunk of time discussing the season-ending injuries and how to move forward. Baltimore is in a better place in Week 17 to manage a short week, especially with bruising running back Derrick Henry coming off a 162-yard rushing performance. “He’s looking probably the best he’s looked in his career,” Ryans said. “He’s found that fountain of youth.” Best bet: Ravens by 5 (ESPN BET) Have a news tip? Contact sports editor Bennett Conlin at bconlin@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/BennettConlin. View the full article Quote
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