Ravens vs. Texans Divisional Round Preview: Path To Super Bowl Begins

In the first game of the Divisional Round weekend, the AFC's top-seeded Baltimore Ravens look to fend off the hot Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium.

In the first game of the Divisional Round weekend, the AFC's top-seeded Baltimore Ravens look to fend off the hot Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. This Saturday evening matchup is highlighted by two quarterbacks who could win league MVP (Lamar Jackson) and offensive Rookie Of The Year (C.J. Stroud.)

The fourth-seeded Texans are fresh off an impressive 45-14 victory over the Cleveland Browns in the Wild Card round. The Ravens enjoyed a bye week. 

The Ravens defense, who led the league in sacks (6), looks to get after Stroud in his first NFL postseason. Stroud led Houston to the AFC South division title and finished the regular season with the third-most passing yards all-time (4,108) for a rookie. 

Jackson and Stroud / FanStreamSports.com

Stroud also finished with 23 passing touchdowns and five interceptions, the best touchdown-to-interception ratio in the NFL. His ability to remain aggressive downfield while keeping the ball safe has turned him into an up-and-coming star. 

Slowing running back Devin Singletary also will be a challenge: Since the start of November, only San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey has more rushing yards than Singletary’s 715. 

Jackson has led high-flying Baltimore to an average of 33.1 points per game in the past 11 games. Not only did Jackson throw for 3,678 yards and 24 touchdowns this season, but he also led the team with 821 yards rushing and five touchdowns on the ground.

These two teams met way back in Week 1. Baltimore beat the Texans, 25-9, and held Houston to three field goals while sacking Stroud five times in his NFL debut.  

FUN FACT: Baltimore is the first team in NFL history to beat 10 teams over .500 in a single season.

WEATHER REPORT: As it stands, the weather forecast is 24 degrees at kickoff and falling to 20 degrees by the time the game wraps up.

REGULAR SEASON RECORDS: Baltimore Ravens (13-4) vs. Houston Texans (10-7)

ODDS: Baltimore is a 9.5-point favorite vs. the Texans 

GAME TIME: Saturday, Jan. 20th, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. ET

LOCATION: M&T Bank Stadium - Baltimore, Maryland

TV/RADIO: ESPN/ABC, 98 ROCK • WBAL 1090 AM • 101.5 FM

THE FINAL WORD Coach John Harbaugh on what is special about this Ravens team:

"I believe that this is one of the most connected teams I've ever been around," Harbaugh said. "I think it starts with the fact that I really believe they love one another. I think they have a spiritual connection that runs through the whole team. You can just tell when a group of people like being around one another."