Texans vs Ravens : What You Need to Know

Texans vs Ravens : Basics

Texans vs Ravens Kickoff: 

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

TV Channels: 

• WMAR Channel 2 (Baltimore):
  • Local Baltimore news channel.
• WUSA Channel 9 (Washington):
  • Local Washington news channel.
• Nationally televised on ESPN, ABC, and more:
  • ESPN and ABC provide nationwide coverage.
  • Additional networks may also broadcast the event nationally.
• ESPN Crew:
  • Joe Buck (Play-by-Play):
    • Main commentator describing the action as it unfolds.
  • Troy Aikman (Analyst):
    • Provides expert analysis and insights into the game.
  • Laura Rutledge (Sideline):
    • Sideline reporter covering updates, interviews, and insights during the game.
  • Lisa Salters (Sideline):
    • Another sideline reporter contributing to in-game coverage.

Radio Channels: 

• Radio Stations: WBAL 1090 AM, 98 Rock 97.9 FM, Sirius XM Chs. 82 or 226 carry Ravens games.
• Ravens Crew on WBAL & 98 Rock: Gerry Sandusky provides play-by-play; Rod Woodson serves as the analyst.
• Sirius XM Broadcast Team (Chs. 82 or 226): Tom McCarthy handles play-by-play; Ross Tucker serves as the analyst; Ryan Leaf works on the sideline.
• Westwood One Sports Broadcast Team: Features Tom McCarthy as play-by-play, Ross Tucker as analyst, and Ryan Leaf on the sideline.

Texans vs Ravens History

The Ravens have an 11-2 series edge, including a 1-0 postseason advantage. The inaugural Ravens-Texans playoff game was played on January 15, 2012, at M&T Bank Stadium, and Baltimore won 20-13. Including that postseason win, the Ravens are 7-0 at home against Houston. This is a rematch from Week 1, when Baltimore won 25-9 at home to kick off the season. Lamar Jackson completed 17 of 22 passes for 169 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception, while rookie Zay Flowers caught nine catches for 78 yards in his first NFL game. Baltimore’s defence did not allow a touchdown, limiting Houston rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud to 242 yards and five sacks. Roquan Smith led the Ravens with 16 tackles.

Texans vs Ravens Stakes

Baltimore may make it to the AFC Championship Game for the first time since its Super Bowl season in 2012. The Ravens have never played a conference title game at home, but if they win, they will host Buffalo or Kansas City the following week. Houston could possibly make it to the conference championship for the first time. Texans Head Coach DeMeco Ryans and Stroud have the opportunity to become the first rookie head coach/quarterback combo to reach the conference title game since Rex Ryan and Mark Sanchez with the Jets in 2009.

Texans vs Ravens Key Storylines

Will Lamar Jackson carry his MVP play into the postseason?

Jackson had an excellent season as a quarterback and leader, and earning his second MVP award appears to be a foregone conclusion. The only unfinished business in Jackson’s career is the most essential one: winning the Super Bowl.His objective has been unwavering: delivering another Lombardi Trophy to Baltimore. He has more experience than he did in 2019, when the Ravens squandered their No. 1 seed. Jackson hasn’t made it through the season healthy the last two seasons, and he’s been waiting a long time to better his 1-3 postseason record. This is an opportunity for him to elevate his team and legacy, and if he plays to his full potential, the Ravens will be exceedingly difficult to beat.

How sharp will the Ravens be after their bye?

Baltimore approached their time off in a businesslike manner, including a practice at M&T Bank Stadium and remaining as focused on the game as possible. The Ravens were remarkably consistent this season, never trailing by more than seven points until Week 18, when they had already secured the top seed and rested key starters. The bye was Baltimore’s reward for being the best team in the AFC during the regular season, and it allowed injured players extra time to recover. However, after a lengthy break, Baltimore will confront the task of swiftly reestablishing a rhythm in a do-or-die situation.

Can the Ravens’ defense keep Stroud from ruining their season?

The Ravens became the first team in league history to lead in points allowed (16.5), sacks (60), and turnovers (31). Baltimore’s defence has had an outstanding season, but it hopes to be even more dominant in the playoffs. The Ravens will face a hot quarterback in Stroud, who, at 22, is the first rookie to lead the league in touchdown-to-interception ratio (23-5) and the youngest quarterback to win a playoff game. The Texans were just 2-4 when Stroud threw for fewer than 250 yards, and if the Ravens stop him as they did in Week 1, Houston will struggle to pull off the upset.

Players to Watch

WR Odell Beckham Jr.

Beckham is a proven playoff performer who has been preparing for the postseason since signing with Baltimore. After a season of developing chemistry with Jackson, Beckham’s emergence as a go-to target in the playoffs might propel the offence to new heights.

CB Brandon Stephens

With Marlon Humphrey (calf) out, Stephens and the Ravens’ other cornerbacks will face a daunting task in big-bodied Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (1,297 yards receiving), who is dangerous down the field. Stephens has been the Ravens’ most reliable cornerback, which they will need against Houston.

S Kyle Hamilton

Hamilton claims he has fully healed from his late-season knee injury. The All-Pro hasn’t played since Christmas against the 49ers, and Hamilton’s versatility will be crucial in the game plan against Stroud.

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