Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans: Christmas Day Showdown

Date: Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Time: 4:30 PM ET
Location: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX

Game Overview

The Baltimore Ravens (10-5) are set to face the Houston Texans (9-6) in a pivotal Week 17 matchup that carries significant playoff implications for both teams. The Ravens are currently favored by 5.5 points, with an over/under set at 47 points. This game is crucial for Baltimore as they vie for the AFC North title, while Houston aims to solidify their position atop the AFC South.

Team Analysis

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens boast a dynamic offense, leading the league with an average of 423.7 total yards per game. Their rushing attack, spearheaded by Derrick Henry, is particularly formidable, averaging 179.1 yards per game. Quarterback Lamar Jackson continues to be a dual-threat, contributing significantly both through the air and on the ground.

Houston Texans

The Texans have been resilient this season, averaging 23.1 points per game. Quarterback C.J. Stroud has shown promise, and the offense has been bolstered by the emergence of wide receiver Nico Collins. However, recent injuries have tested the depth of their receiving corps.

Injury Updates

Baltimore Ravens

  • Nelson Agholor (WR): Out with a concussion.
  • Jalyn Armour-Davis (CB): Out due to a hamstring injury.
  • Zay Flowers (WR): Questionable with a shoulder injury; his status remains uncertain for the game.
  • Justice Hill (RB): Questionable, recovering from a concussion.

Houston Texans

  • Tank Dell (WR): Out for the season after suffering a severe knee injury, including a torn ACL and knee dislocation.
  • Jimmie Ward (S): Out for the season due to a foot injury.
  • Shaq Mason (G): Questionable with a knee injury; undergoing further evaluation.
  • Christian Harris (LB): Questionable, dealing with an ankle injury.

Key Player Projections

Baltimore Ravens

  • Lamar Jackson (QB): Projected to complete 18.5 of 30.6 passes for approximately 229 yards, with a potential for 1-2 touchdowns. Additionally, expected to contribute significantly in the rushing game.
  • Derrick Henry (RB): Anticipated to carry the ball around 20 times, amassing over 100 rushing yards and a strong chance of scoring a touchdown.
  • Mark Andrews (TE): With the receiving corps banged up, Andrews is projected to be a primary target, potentially securing 5-7 receptions for 70-90 yards and a possible touchdown.

Houston Texans

  • C.J. Stroud (QB): Expected to complete 21.6 of 35.9 passes for approximately 251 yards, with 1-2 touchdowns and up to one interception.
  • Nico Collins (WR): Projected to step up as the primary receiving threat, potentially recording 6-8 receptions for 80-100 yards and a touchdown.
  • Dalton Schultz (TE): With injuries to key receivers, Schultz is anticipated to play a larger role, possibly achieving over 35.5 receiving yards, aligning with recent betting prop trends.

Betting Trends and Insights

  • The Ravens have covered the spread in four of their last five games against the Texans.
  • Recent games involving the Ravens have tended to go over the total points line, with nine of their last eleven games exceeding the set over/under.
  • The Texans have struggled against teams with winning records, holding a 1-4 record in such matchups this season.

Conclusion

This Christmas Day matchup features two teams with playoff aspirations, but the Ravens appear to have the upper hand given their offensive prowess and the Texans’ recent injury woes. Bettors might find value in considering the Ravens to cover the spread and the total points to go over, based on current trends.

For more detailed predictive analytics and the latest betting data on this matchup, visit our Sharpest Bets matchup page.

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