Texans Fall to Ravens in AFC Divisional Round of 2023 Playoffs

The Houston Texans will compete in their first AFC Divisional Round playoff game since 2019 against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday afternoon.

BALTIMORE, MD — The Houston Texans will play their first AFC Divisional Round playoff game since 2019 against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday afternoon. The game will feature a contest between two top quarterbacks, Lamar Jackson and C.J. Stroud.

In September, Jackson threw an early interception, lost a fumble and was sacked four times. However, the Ravens were able to take a 25-9 lead over the Texans. Stroud finished his debut throwing for 242 yards while competing for 63.6 percent of his passes and five sacks.

Since their Week 1 meeting, Jackson and Stroud have gone on to have stellar seasons. Jackson is the favorite to win his second league MVP award, while Stroud finished as the top rookie quarterback, taking his team to 10 wins and an AFC South title.

"The Ravens are a great defense — definitely one of the top defenses in the league," Stroud said. "Everything runs through, really, their linebackers and Kyle Hamilton. They’re great players. Their corners do a good job of being sticky in coverage. Their [defensive] line gets a good pass rush, they rush as a unit. And really, all that ranged through Week 1 and it ranged through now, so we’ve just got to be on our ‘A-game,’ execute at a high level, focus on the little details – and when the moment gets big – that’s when you execute and try to do your job and try to make it as easy as possible. 

"Those other divisional games, playing a team twice, there are really some things that you could pick up on, but also it's been really a whole new season since we played those guys. So, you’ve really just got to play it true on what you see out there on the field and just try to execute at a high level."

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud attempts a pass as Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Rayshad Nichols rushes during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium / Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

WHAT: Houston Texans (10-7, 4-4 Road) at Baltimore Ravens (13-4, 6-3 Home)

WHERE: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD (70,745)

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, 4:30 p.m. ET

TELEVISION: ESPN | ABC | FuboTV (try it free)

RADIO: Sports Radio 610 (KILT-AM) | 100.3 The Bull

Get your tickets at SI Tickets

Betting via SI SportsBook

SPREAD: Texans +9.5

TOTAL: 43.5

MONEYLINE: Texans +350, Ravens -500

1st quarter:

The Texans received the ball first. Three and out to begin the game.

Punt

On the Ravens' first offensive possession, Baltimore recorded 41 yards in nine plays. The drive ended with kicker Justin Tucker nailing a 53-yard field goal to give the Ravens an early lead.

Ravens 3, Texans 0

Stroud connected with running back Devin Singletary for a gain of 11 yards to begin their second offensive series. After two consecutive stops, Stroud connected with Singletary again for an off-scripted 26-yard pass attempt. Unfortunately, back-to-back penalties took the Texans out of field goal range.

Punt

Due to the Texans' run defense, Houston forced the Ravens into a three-and-out.

Punt

On 3rd and 10, the Texans were able to pick up the first down with Stroud connecting with wide receiver Nico Collins. On the next play, Stroud found tight end Dalton Schultz for a gain of 21 yards. The drive ended with kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn nailing a 50-yard field goal.

Texans 3, Ravens 3

End of 1st

2nd quarter

The Ravens scored the game's first touchdown with Jackson connecting with wide receiver Nelson Agholor with a three-yard pass. The Ravens recorded 76 yards in 13 plays. Jackson accounted for 38 yards on the ground during Baltimore's latest offensive series.

Ravens 10, Texans 3

Another three and out for the Texans. 

Punt

Three-and-out for the Ravens. However, during the Ravens' punt, wide receiver Steven Sims completed a 67-yard return, which gave Houston their first touchdown of the day.

Ravens 10, Texans 10

Another three-and-out for the Ravens. 

Punt

On 3rd-and-13, Stroud's pass attempt to Collins was for a gain of 29 yards. On the next play, Stroud connected with Collins again for 16 yards. The Texans were able to record 49 yards in nine plays. Unfortunately, Fairbairn missed a 47-yard field goal.  

Field goal is no good

The Texans' defense held their own with back-to-back sacks on Jackson, attributed to linebacker Blake Cashman and nickel Desmond King. Houston held Baltimore to a three-and-out.

Punt

HALFTIME

3rd quarter:

A 37-yard return by Devin Duvernay set the Ravens up in good field position. Baltimore was able to record 55 yards in eight plays. The drive ended with Jackson rushing for a 15-yard touchdown. 

Ravens 17, Texans 10

The Texans recorded 28 yards in 11 plays. Their best gain came on 2nd-and-7 when Singletary rushed for 16 yards, his longest of the game.

Punt

End of 3rd

4th quarter:

The Ravens were able to extend their lead with Jackson finding tight end Isaiah Likely for a 15-yard touchdown. 

Ravens 24, Texans 10

Three and out for the Texans

Punt

The Ravens extended their league to 21 points, with Jackson rushing for an eight-yard touchdown. 

Ravens 31, Texans 10

The Texans recorded 19 yards in seven plays. 

Turnover on down

The Ravens recorded eight yards in eight plays. Tucker nailed a 43-yard field goal. 

Ravens 34, Texans 10

End of Game