CJ Stroud and the surprising Houston Texans will face off with the likely MVP Lamar Jackson and Ravens at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Jan. 20, to kick off the NFL Divisional Playoffs. The Texans are 9.5-point underdogs on the road, but there is a sliver of hope for them to pull the upset despite the tall odds they are faced with heading into the matchup. Fans couldn’t get a more exciting matchup to start the weekend than this. Before the game kicks off, we’re looking at the AFC Divisional Round Texans vs. Ravens odds and predictions, as well as some of the best sportsbook promo offers on the market for betting action.
AFC Divisional Playoffs Texans vs. Ravens Betting Odds
The sportsbooks aren’t giving the Texans much of a chance, but recent events coming out of the Ravens’ camp make this contest much more interesting than what the odds suggest.
Texans’ Keys to Potential Upset
Protect the Ball
The Ravens are tied for first in the NFL for forced turnovers this season with 31 – 18 of which were interceptions. The Texans had the fewest giveaways this season (14), and Stroud led all QBs in fewest interceptions thrown with five. He has not thrown an interception in six games and didn’t throw one the first time these two teams met. He’ll need to continue that streak in this one to give the Texans their best chance.
Limit the Run
Jackson has been much better from the pocket this season, but the Ravens’ offense is still very much dependent on the run. They led the league in rushing yards, averaging 156.5 yards on the ground per game. The Texans, however, were sixth best at stopping the run. If they can contain Jackson and company on the ground, they’ll be better able to keep it close enough for their rookie QB to steal it in the end.
The Texans did both well in their first playoff game. The Ravens are a completely different team, but the Texans have proven to be quite effective in avoiding or limiting what Baltimore needs to happen to win games.
Ravens’ Injury Concerns
The Ravens have dominated all season long, and the respect that they have garnered is reflected in the spread. However, they recently ruled out their star cornerback Marlon Humphrey. Also up in the air is the status of the star tight end Mark Andrews. The Ravens’ pass defense was sixth best this season thanks to their pass rush and the stellar back-end coverage led by Humprey. His absence will make it more challenging to slow Houston’s passing game down, which finished seventh best in the regular season.
Texans star wide receiver Nico Collins has 371 yards and two touchdowns in the team’s last three games, and he becomes much more of a threat with Humphrey out. On the other side of the ball, the Ravens have grown used to playing without Andrews thanks to the emergence of Isaiah Likely. However, against teams with solid rushing defenses, they’ll need all their offensive weapons available, especially against a team with a QB who can make them pay if they aren’t putting points up on the board.
As long as Jackson is playing, the Ravens should be the favorite, but the absence of Humprey and Andrews will certainly come up if they lose.
Texans vs. Ravens Best Prop Bet: CJ Stroud Over 1.5 passing touchdowns (+154 odds at FanDuel Sportsbook)
The Texans entered the playoffs earlier than most since their Week 17 matchup was needed to make the postseason. In the Week 17 and Wild Card round games, Stroud has thrown five touchdowns, no interceptions, and he is completing 76% of his passes. He has also only been sacked twice. Between Stroud and Houston’s offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, the Texans are picking apart the best defenses. At +154, it’s worth taking a chance on yet again despite how the first game went between the two.
Texans vs. Ravens Prediction: Ravens Pull Off a Nailbiter
The Texans are likely to keep this game competitive thanks to Stroud, but even in their best games, their secondary has struggled. They may be able to force Jackson to the air more than the Ravens would like in this one, but the big plays have haunted the Texans all season long. Against Jackson and company, they won’t be able to overcome those plays on the road.
Prediction: Baltimore 24, Texans 20
