Facts to Know About Ravens vs. Texans Match

Basics

Kickoff: Saturday, 4:30 p.m. Stadium M&T Bank

TV: nationally broadcast on ESPN, ABC, and other networks; WMAR Channel 2 (Baltimore); WUSA Channel 9 (Washington); and others. ESPN staff Joe Buck (play-by-play), Lisa Salters (sideline), Troy Aikman (analyst), and Laura Rutledge

Radio: WBAL 1090 AM, 98 Rock 97.9 FM, Channels 82 or 226 on Sirius XM. Ravens team Play-by-play writer Gerry Sandusky and commentator Rod Woodson. Ryan Leaf (sideline), Ross Tucker (analyst), and Tom McCarthy (play-by-play) of Westwood One Sports

Past Events

With an 11-2 series record overall, including a 1-0 lead in the postseason, the Ravens are the favorites. On January 15, 2012, the Ravens and Texans played in their first-ever playoff game. Baltimore won, 20–13, at M&T Bank Stadium in the divisional round. The Ravens are unblemished (7-0) at home versus Houston after that postseason triumph. This is a repeat of the Week 1 match, in which Baltimore won 25–9 at home to start the season. While rookie Zay Flowers caught nine catches for 78 yards in his NFL debut, Lamar Jackson completed 17 of 22 passes for 169 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception. With five sacks of rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud of Houston, Baltimore’s defense held him to 242 yards without giving up a touchdown. With 16 tackles, Roquan Smith led the Ravens.

Risks

For the first time since their 2012 Super Bowl season, Baltimore has the opportunity to go to the AFC Championship Game. In the event that they win, the Ravens will host either Buffalo or Kansas City in the conference title game, which they have never played at home. For the first time, Houston may also make it to the conference final. Since Rex Ryan and Mark Sanchez accomplished so with the Jets in 2009, DeMeco Ryans, the head coach of the Texans, and Stroud have the opportunity to become the first rookie head coach and quarterback duo to make it to the conference championship game.

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Base Storylines

Will Lamar Jackson continue to play like the MVP come playoff time?

Jackson was an excellent leader and quarterback this season, and it seems certain that he will earn his second MVP trophy. The most significant aspect of Jackson’s career—winning a Super Bowl—remains undone. His attention has been completely focused on winning another Lombardi Trophy for Baltimore. He has more experience than he had in 2019, the year the Ravens wasted their first-round position. Jackson waited a long time to improve on his 1-3 playoff record since he didn’t finish the season healthy the previous two years.If he performs brilliantly, the Ravens will be very tough to beat. This is his chance to elevate his club and his legacy to new heights.

After their bye, how sharp will the Ravens be?

During their time off, Baltimore conducted themselves in a businesslike manner, practicing at M&T Bank Stadium and trying to be as close to the game as possible. This season, the Ravens performed with amazing consistency; they never fell behind by more than seven points until Week 18, when they had secured the top seed and benched a number of stars. As the top team in the AFC during the regular season, Baltimore was rewarded with a bye, which also allowed injured players extra time to rehabilitate. But in a game when every play matters, Baltimore will have to immediately establish a rhythm after a protracted rest.

Is Stroud able to prevent the Ravens’ season from being ruined?

For the first time in league history, the Ravens led the league in takeaways (31), sacks (60), and points allowed (16.5). Although they’ve had a fantastic season, Baltimore’s defense hopes to improve even more in the postseason. The 22-year-old Stroud, the youngest quarterback to win a playoff game and the first rookie to lead the league in touchdowns-to-interceptions (23-5), will be facing the Ravens. Houston would struggle to pull off the upset if the Ravens restrict him like they did in Week 1. The Texans were only 2-4 when Stroud threw for fewer than 250 yards.

Players to Notice

WR Ingram Beckham Jr.

Since signing with Baltimore, Beckham, a seasoned playoff player, has been preparing for the postseason. The offense may reach new heights if Beckham emerges as the go-to target in the playoffs, following a season in which he and Jackson developed a strong rapport.

CB Brandon Stephens

Stephens and the other cornerbacks for the Ravens will have a difficult task against the Texans’ big-bodied wide receiver Nico Collins (1,297 yards receiving), who is dangerous down the field, because Marlon Humphrey (calf) is out. The Ravens will need Stephens, who has been the team’s most reliable cornerback, to perform well against Houston.

Kyle S. Hamilton

Hamilton claims that his late-season knee issue is completely healed. The 49ers are the All-Pro’s first opponent since Christmas, so Hamilton’s versatility will be crucial to the strategy against Stroud.

Source:
https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/everything-you-need-know-ravens-texans-divisional-round-playoffs